Head Chef

About the role

The Sovereign Arms is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team and drive excellence in food preparation and presentation. This is a full-time position based in Joondalup, WA 6027. As Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, managing staff, maintaining the highest standards of food quality and safety, and creating memorable dining experiences for our guests. This role is pivotal to our establishment's reputation and success, requiring strong leadership, creativity, and a commitment to culinary excellence.

What you'll be doing

1. Leading and managing the kitchen team, including hiring, training, scheduling and performance management of kitchen staff
2. Planning and developing menus that reflect seasonal ingredients and current culinary trends whilst maintaining our signature offerings
3. Ensuring all dishes are prepared to the highest standard, maintaining consistency in quality, taste and presentation across all service periods
4. Implementing and maintaining strict food safety and hygiene standards in compliance with health and safety regulations
5. Managing food costs, stock control and ordering to optimise profitability whilst minimising waste
6. Supervising food preparation and cooking techniques, mentoring junior chefs and kitchen staff to develop their skills
7. Collaborating with management to develop special menus, promotional dishes and themed events
8. Maintaining kitchen equipment and ensuring a safe, clean and organised working environment
9. Monitoring portion sizes and plating standards to ensure consistency and customer satisfaction
10. Responding to customer feedback and making adjustments to menus and preparation methods as needed

What we're looking for

1. Minimum 5+ years' professional experience working as a chef in busy hospitality environments, with at least 2 years in a head chef or senior chef role
2. Proven expertise in menu planning, food preparation and kitchen management
3. Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards, with current food safety certification
4. Excellent leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff
5. Proficiency in a range of cooking techniques and culinary styles
6. Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
7. Experience managing food costs, stock control and kitchen budgets
8. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with front-of-house staff and management
9. Culinary qualification or formal training in professional cookery is highly desirable
10. A passion for food quality and customer satisfaction
11. Physical capability to stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

What we offer

At The Sovereign Arms, we believe in supporting our team members to succeed and grow. We offer competitive remuneration reflecting your experience and expertise. You'll benefit from a collaborative working environment where your culinary creativity is valued and encouraged. We provide opportunities for professional development and training to enhance your skills and knowledge. Our team enjoys a supportive workplace culture with clear progression pathways. We also offer staff discounts on food and beverages, and access to industry networking opportunities. Work-life balance is important to us, and we aim to create a sustainable roster that allows you to enjoy time outside the kitchen.

About us

The Sovereign Arms is a respected hospitality establishment in Joondalup dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences and warm hospitality to our valued guests. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality food, excellent customer service and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit. Our team is passionate about hospitality and committed to maintaining the highest standards in everything we do. We believe in fostering a positive workplace culture where our staff are motivated, supported and recognised for their contributions. At The Sovereign Arms, we're more than just a pub—we're a gathering place for our community.

Apply now

If you are an ambitious and experienced Head Chef ready to take the lead in a dynamic kitchen environment, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and the contact details of two professional references. Apply today to join The Sovereign Arms team.

Please email Group Operations Chef

email [email protected]