Chef Manager

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chef Manager to lead our kitchen team and create exceptional dining experiences for our residents. This is more than a food service role - it is an opportunity to shape moments of connection, comfort, and joy through food.
At the heart of this position is the concept of gezellig - the Dutch idea of warmth, belonging, togetherness, and creating an environment where people genuinely enjoy being together. Our Chef Manager will foster this atmosphere through outstanding hospitality, resident-focused dining experiences, and a positive team culture.
You will be both a leader and an active member of the team, working alongside colleagues while inspiring excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

You are an experienced chef who understands that food is about more than nutrition- it's about creating meaningful experiences. You will bring

• Previous experience in a Chef Manager, Head Chef, or similar leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of aged care dining, nutrition, and food safety requirements.
• A genuine passion for enhancing resident wellbeing through food and hospitality.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of contemporary aged care standards and compliance requirements.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to work alongside your team while providing direction and support.
• Creativity, empathy, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Lead, mentor, and develop an established, high-performing kitchen team.
• Create a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience that enhances residents' quality of life.
• Ensure meals are nutritious, appealing, culturally appropriate, and tailored to residents' needs and preferences.
• Maintain compliance with all aged care standards, food safety regulations, and quality requirements.
• Manage kitchen operations, including menu planning, ordering, stock control, budgeting, and rostering.
• Collaborate with care teams, residents, and families to continually improve the dining experience.
• Lead by example, remaining hands-on in daily operations and supporting the team during service periods.

The successful Chef Manager will create a dining environment where:

• Residents look forward to mealtimes as a highlight of their day.
• Meals support health, wellbeing, dignity, and choice.
• Team members feel valued, supported, and empowered.
• The kitchen operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with aged care standards.
• A culture of gezellig is evident - where food, people, and community come together to create moments of genuine connection.

Benefits

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in residents' lives every day and be part of a supportive and values-driven workplace culture. This is a leadership role with autonomy and influence.

• An attractive salary, including salary packaging options.
• An onsite cafeteria and car parking.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A workplace that encourages wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance.
• A friendly, supportive, and caring team that works collaboratively and celebrates together.