Chef

Position: Chef

Type: Full time — 38 hours per week

Employer: Dose Willoughby Pty Ltd t/a Archie's Café Co

Location: Dover Heights NSW 2030

Salary: $79,500 per annum (inclusive of superannuation)

About the Business

Dose Willoughby Pty Ltd t/a Archie's Café Co is a modern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern brunch venue at 218 Military Road, Dover Heights, a three-minute drive from Bondi Beach. Trading since February 2020, the business has built its reputation on a contemporary brunch menu that draws on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions, prepared fresh each day and served in a relaxed dining setting that suits both local regulars and visitors to the eastern beaches. The venue is run by a close-knit team of six, and the kitchen is the heart of the operation — consistency of flavour, freshness of produce and care in presentation are treated as the things that keep guests returning. The business values initiative, mutual respect and a calm, well-organised kitchen in which staff are supported to develop their craft.

About the Position

The Chef leads the kitchen at Archie's Café Co and carries day-to-day responsibility for everything that leaves the pass. Reporting directly to the Director and supervising a kitchen brigade of three, the Chef sets the standard for the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern brunch menu, runs the kitchen through the high-volume weekend and holiday trade generated by the venue's proximity to Bondi Beach, and manages the ordering, inventory and food safety systems that keep a small, fast-moving kitchen running properly. This is a newly created position reflecting the growth of the business, and it offers genuine scope to shape the menu as well as to lead the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, direct and inspire the kitchen team, including sous chefs, cooks and kitchen hands, and supervise three kitchen staff on a day-to-day basis.
• Oversee all meal preparation and ensure every dish is prepared in accordance with established recipes and presentation standards.
• Maintain consistent food quality, taste and appearance at all times, including through peak brunch and weekend service.
• Develop and implement new menu items based on seasonal availability of produce, guest preferences and current food trends.
• Supervise daily kitchen operations end to end, covering food preparation, cooking, plating and service.
• Order supplies, manage stock levels and control inventory to minimise waste and maintain continuity of produce.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen and ensure all safety, sanitation and food safety protocols are followed.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is functioning properly and coordinate any necessary repairs or replacements.
• Roster, train and mentor kitchen staff, and allocate duties to match the demands of each service period.
• Report to the Director on kitchen performance, food costs, stock and menu development.

Requirements

• Australian citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to apply.
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and Certificate IV in Kitchen Management.
• A minimum of two years' experience in a chef role.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine to a consistent standard, and to design and cost menu items around seasonal produce.
• Sound working knowledge of food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements applicable to a commercial kitchen, including temperature control, allergen management and cleaning schedules.
• Practical skills in supplier ordering, stock rotation, inventory control and food cost management.
• Competence in operating and maintaining commercial kitchen equipment, and in identifying when repair or replacement is required.
• Proven leadership and supervisory ability, with the capacity to train, roster and direct a small kitchen team.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work calmly and accurately under pressure during peak service.
• A collaborative approach, sound problem solving and a commitment to guest satisfaction.
• Availability to work across a seven-day roster, including weekends and public holidays.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their resume, including a valid email address, through this online portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.