Breakfast Chef

Position: Chef (Full-Time or Casual)

• Location: The Little Nel – Nelson Bay, NSW 2315
• Employment Type: Full-Time or Casual
• Visa Requirement: Applicants must hold full working rights in Australia (No Visa Sponsorship Available).

About the Role

The Little Nel is seeking a talented and passionate Chef to join our culinary team at our modern café located in Nelson Bay. This is a full-time or casual position offering an exciting opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise and creativity within a dynamic hospitality environment. As Chef, you will play a central role in maintaining the quality and reputation of our food offerings, working closely with our kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences to our guests. This position is vital to the success of our food and beverage operations and directly contributes to guest satisfaction and the continued standing of The Little Nel as a leading local destination.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and cooking a variety of dishes according to established recipes, menus, and presentation standards.
• Ensuring all food is prepared to the highest quality standards and in strict compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Managing food portioning, stock control, and inventory within your designated kitchen area.
• Maintaining cleanliness and organisation of your workstation and kitchen equipment.
• Collaborating with other kitchen staff to ensure efficient service and timely delivery of meals.
• Contributing to menu planning and offering creative suggestions for new dishes and specials.
• Training and mentoring junior kitchen staff as required.
• Monitoring food costs and minimising waste whilst maintaining product quality.
• Adhering to all health, safety, and food handling procedures.

What We're Looking For

• Relevant qualifications in culinary arts or hospitality, or demonstrated equivalent experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• Proven experience working as a Chef or Cook in a busy hospitality setting (café experience preferred).
• Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods, and culinary practices.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene standards, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure whilst maintaining high standards of quality and presentation.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to multitask.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Flexibility and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends and public holidays.
• A passion for food and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Preferred: Experience with menu development, kitchen management, or supervisory responsibilities.
• Must have full, unrestricted working rights in Australia. (No visa sponsorship available.)

What We Offer

The Little Nel is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where our team members thrive. We offer:

• Competitive Remuneration: Reflective of your skills and experience (with appropriate casual penalty rates where applicable).
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling options where possible to suit your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the industry, plus access to ongoing training programs.
• Great Culture: A collaborative, supportive team environment and staff discounts.
• Stunning Location: The chance to work in a premier modern café in the beautiful Nelson Bay area.

About Us

The Little Nel is a well-established, vibrant modern café located in Nelson Bay, known for providing quality daytime dining experiences and exceptional service to our guests. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards across all aspects of our operations, from our culinary offerings to our customer service. Our commitment is to create memorable experiences for our guests whilst fostering a positive, rewarding, and professional workplace for our team members.

Apply Now

If you are a skilled and dedicated Chef looking for an exciting opportunity to advance your career with The Little Nel, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV, cover letter, and any relevant qualifications to join our talented culinary team.