Head/Exec Chef | Hunter Valley NSW | Relocation Role

Position Overview

JRM is working exclusively with this highly regarded venue in the Hunter Valley currently seeking an accomplished Head or Executive Chef to lead the culinary direction and day-to-day kitchen operation.

Set within one of Australia's most recognised wine regions, The award winning Estate combines wine, food and hospitality to create a memorable destination experience. The Executive Chef will oversee culinary operations across the Estate's restaurant, Cellar Door and Events offering, working closely with ownership and the General Manager - Food & Beverage.

The role requires an experienced culinary leader who combines strong cooking credentials with commercial awareness, team leadership and the ability to create food that complements the Estate's wine portfolio.

The culinary direction is centred around seasonal Spanish and Mediterranean-influenced food, celebrating quality local produce alongside carefully selected specialist and imported ingredients.

This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for menu development, kitchen operations, financial performance, team development, supplier relationships and maintaining consistently high standards across the business.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the Estate's culinary direction, developing seasonal Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired menus that complement its wines.
- Oversee all kitchen operations, maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, presentation, consistency and efficiency.
- Recruit, train and develop a high-performing kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and professional team culture.
- Manage kitchen budgets, food costs, labour, purchasing and inventory to achieve agreed financial targets.
- Build strong relationships with local producers and suppliers, incorporating seasonal produce and premium specialist ingredients.
- Collaborate with the Estate's gardening team to align kitchen garden production with seasonal menu requirements.




- Maintain compliance with food safety, hygiene, WHS and operational standards.
- Work closely with senior management, front-of-house and wine teams to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
- Develop bespoke menus for events, functions and special dining experiences that enhance the Estate's reputation.
- Continually improve kitchen systems, productivity and commercial performance while maintaining culinary excellence.

About You

To succeed in this position, you will ideally bring:

- Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef or senior culinary leader within a premium restaurant, winery, hotel or destination dining environment.
- Strong knowledge of Spanish, Mediterranean or produce-driven cooking.
- Demonstrated experience developing and costing seasonal menus.
- An appreciation of wine and the ability to develop food that complements a strong wine program.
- Robust commercial understanding across food cost, labour, purchasing, stock and kitchen profitability.
- Experience recruiting, mentoring and developing high-performing kitchen teams.
- Established relationships with quality suppliers and an understanding of seasonal produce.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to introduce structure, systems and accountability.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with ownership, senior management and front-of-house teams.
- A hands-on leadership style and genuine passion for hospitality.
- A commitment to creating an inclusive, professional and respectful kitchen culture.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for an accomplished Executive/Head Chef to take ownership of the culinary direction, shaping a distinctive dining experience within one of the Hunter Valley's premium destinations.

Offering creative freedom and close collaboration with ownership, local producers and the Estate's wine team, the role provides the platform to showcase exceptional produce, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and refined yet relaxed dining.

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