$45.39 per hour + Super + NFP Salary Packaging + Penalty Rates

Are you an experienced Chef who has done the busy restaurants, hotels, functions or large-scale catering — and now looking for a role with better work-life balance?

We are recruiting an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen and catering team within an established residential aged care facility in Canberra.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will lead the team, develop other Chefs and ensure the kitchen and service runs smoothly.

About the role

Catering for approximately 80–90 residents, the kitchen provides breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, including modified meals for residents with specific dietary requirements.
You will lead a team of approximately 8–9 staff, including Chefs and Catering Assistants.
The role is a mix of hands-on kitchen work and leadership. You will be on the floor coaching and training the team, solving problems and driving continuous improvement, with dedicated time each week for administration.
What we're looking for We are looking for a genuinely experienced Chef with a strong background in restaurants, hotels, banqueting, functions or large-scale catering.

You will need:





- Strong Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership experience
- Experience leading, coaching and developing a team
- Strong food safety and kitchen operations knowledge
- Confidence managing dietary and modified meal requirements
- Good computer and administration skills
- A hands-on approach and a focus on continuous improvement

Aged care experience is not essential. We are more interested in someone who has built strong skills in a quality, high-volume kitchen workplace and can bring that experience to the team.
The roster This is where the role really stands out.

Shifts are generally 6:30am–2:30pm or 10am–6pm, with approximately three early and two late shifts each week. Wednesday and Thursday are rostered days off. Dinner is served at 5pm, 6pm is your latest finish and there is no overtime.

For an experienced Chef who still wants to lead a kitchen but is ready to leave the late nights behind, this offers genuine work-life balance.
The organisation is growing, with opportunities to continue developing your career across the wider group.

Apply now for a confidential discussion.

📌 Head Chef (Canberra)
🏢 Frontline Recruitment Group
📍 Canberra