Chef – Full Time | Bair's Otago Hotel | Leongatha VICAbout Bair's Otago HotelNestled in the heart of Leongatha in South Gippsland, Bair's Otago Hotel is one of regional Victoria's most cherished and historic hospitality venues. Originally established in 1890 and lovingly restored in 1939, this iconic Art Deco building has been a cornerstone of the local community for well over a century. Surrounded by lush green landscapes, rolling hills and within easy reach of some of Victoria's most spectacular coastline and national parks, the Hotel offers guests and locals alike a warm, relaxed and authentically Australian hospitality experience.From a bustling public bar and beer garden to quality accommodation and a well-loved dining menu,

Bair's Otago Hotel prides itself on delivering exceptional food and beverage experiences with genuine regional character. Our kitchen is central to everything we do, and we are now looking for a talented and dedicated Chef to become a key part of our team.

About the Role-This is a full-time, permanent position based entirely on-site at our Leongatha venue. Reporting to management, the successful candidate will take ownership of daily kitchen operations and play a central role in delivering a high-quality, consistent dining experience to our guests. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of food service, from planning and preparation through to presentation and post-service clean-down, while also contributing to the ongoing development of our menu and kitchen culture.This is a hands-on role that requires a confident, experienced Chef who is equally comfortable leading a small kitchen team and rolling up their sleeves during busy service periods.

The chef will also work closely with the head chef. Our menu reflects the best of regional produce and classic Australian pub fare, and we are looking for someone who shares our passion for quality, consistency and genuine hospitality.

Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesPlan,



prepare and cook a broad range of menu items across lunch and dinner services to a consistently high standard, Take ownership of food quality, flavour, presentation and portioning in accordance with established recipes and seasonal menu changesSupervise, coordinate and support kitchen staff and food preparation activities, providing guidance and training to junior kitchen employees as requiredAssist management in rostering and coordinating kitchen staffing to ensure adequate coverage across all service periods, Manage day-to-day stock control, including ordering, receiving and rotation of ingredients, with a focus on minimising waste and managing food costsEnsure the kitchen operates in full compliance with all applicable food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety regulations, including maintaining HACCP records and documentation Conduct regular temperature checks, cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance checks in line with venue policies Collaborate with management on seasonal menu planning, daily specials and new dish development that reflects local produce and customer preferencesMaintain a clean, organised and safe kitchen environment at all timesManage kitchen operations independently and effectively in the absence of senior management where requiredLiaise with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen and dining room during serviceEstimate food costs, plan ordering produceDemonstrate cooking techniques and advise kitchen staff on preparation methods and procedures Discuss food preparation requirements, service issues and quality standards with management, kitchen staff and front-of-house team members About YouTo be successful in this role,



you will bring demonstrated experience working in a professional commercial kitchen setting, a strong work ethic and the ability to perform consistently under pressure. You will be a team player with a positive attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for great food and regional hospitality.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required:Minimum 3 years' experience working as a Chef in a commercial kitchen environmentPreferred relevant trade qualifications pertaining to hospitality and/or chefComprehensive knowledge of food safety and hygiene standardsProven ability to manage stock, control food costs and minimise wasteStrong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously during busy service periodsDemonstrated experience supervising or mentoring kitchen staffFlexibility and availability to work a rotating roster including evenings, weekends and public holidays as requiredExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsA genuine passion for food quality and a commitment to delivering an outstanding dining experienceWhat We OfferA full-time, permanent position in a stable and well-established regional venueA supportive and friendly team environmentThe opportunity to work and live in beautiful South Gippsland, one of Victoria's most scenic and liveable regional areasCompetitive remuneration commensurate with experience

Salary: $75,000 – $80,000 per annum + superannuation (dependent on experience)Location: Leongatha, VIC 3953 — this is an on-site roleHow to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit a current resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and suitability for the role to: [email protected]

Only candidates with full working rights in Australia will be considered at this stage. We thank all applicants for their interest; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Pay: $75,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Chef (Leongatha)
🏢 BAIRS HOTEL
📍 Leongatha