PASTRY CHEF – MAXWELL RESTAURANT

McLaren Vale, South Australia | Four-Day Working Week

ABOUT MAXWELL

McLaren Vale is widely regarded as one of Australia's leading regional dining destinations, and Maxwell Restaurant has played an integral role in shaping that reputation. The Maxwell family's connection to the region's food and wine culture dates back to 1969, when Mark Maxwell's father contributed to the establishment of one of McLaren Vale's first notable restaurants. When Mark went on to build Maxwell Wines, his vision was to continue this legacy, creating a destination where exceptional wine, outstanding food and genuine hospitality come together.

Today, under the direction of Executive Chef Fabian Lehmann, Maxwell Restaurant delivers an exceptional and ever-evolving degustation experience. Our multi-course tasting menu celebrates the best of seasonal produce, working closely with local growers and producers to showcase the region's finest ingredients through thoughtful, creative and refined cuisine.

Our commitment to excellence has earned us an outstanding reputation, including three Chef Hats at the 2024 Australian Good Food Guide Awards, recognition among South Australia's leading regional restaurants in the Delicious.100, and one Michelin Star.

At Maxwell, we are passionate about creating memorable dining experiences through exceptional food, genuine hospitality and an unwavering attention to detail. We take great pride in our reputation and are continually striving to push boundaries and deliver an experience that stands among Australia's very best regional restaurants.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Located at Maxwell Wines in the heart of McLaren Vale, we are seeking a passionate, energetic and driven Pastry Chef who takes immense pride in their craft and is excited by the opportunity to create exceptional dining experiences.



This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced pastry chef to join a small, talented and highly motivated team. We are looking for someone with a solid creative identity, a genuine love of pastry and the confidence to bring fresh ideas and individuality to the kitchen.

With the opportunity to take ownership of the pastry section, contribute to menu development and work collaboratively with the Executive Chef, this role offers genuine creative freedom and the chance to make your mark within an established, award-winning fine dining restaurant.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

- Design, develop and execute a range of refined desserts, petit fours, breads and cheese courses for our multi-course degustation menu and cellar door offering.
- Bring creativity, technical skill and attention to detail to every element of the pastry offering.
- Contribute ideas and collaborate on seasonal menu development.
- Play an integral role in a small, close-knit kitchen team with ambitions to be recognised among Australia's best regional restaurants.
- Support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations and confidently lead the team in their absence.
- Maintain accurate stock control, ordering and rotation.
- Uphold exceptional standards of cleanliness, organisation and food safety.
- Consistently deliver high-quality fine dining experiences with precision, passion and attention to detail.

WHAT WE OFFER

- The opportunity to work in a family-owned,



multi-award-winning fine dining restaurant with one Michelin Star.
- A four-day working week, offering an excellent work-life balance.
- Genuine creative freedom and input into menu design.
- The opportunity to develop your skills and grow within a talented and passionate team.
- Staff discounts across our range of Maxwell wines.
- A wine allowance.
- A beautiful, intimate 40-seat restaurant with vineyard views from every table – including the kitchen!
- The opportunity to be part of an ambitious restaurant that takes pride in delivering exceptional dining experiences.

THE DETAILS

- Location: Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale, South Australia.
- Hours: Four days per week, Thursday to Sunday.
- Service: Lunch Friday to Sunday and Saturday evening, with occasional additional services for functions and special events.
- Availability: The role will involve working most weekends and public holidays, as these are our busiest trading periods.
- Remuneration: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful applicant will have a genuine passion for food, a strong foundation in pastry and a desire to continually refine and develop their craft. We are looking for someone who demonstrates initiative, creativity, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively while taking ownership of their section.

If you are passionate about producing exceptional food, enjoy working in a close-knit team and want to be part of an ambitious regional dining destination, we would love to hear from you.

For further information about Maxwell Wines and our restaurant, please visit:

https://www.maxwellwines.com.au/Restaurant

Apply now and become part of the Maxwell story.

📌 Pastry chef (McLaren Vale)
🏢 Maxwell Wines
📍 McLaren Vale