Head Chef

A new chapter. A bigger kitchen. An opportunity to make it your own.

Archers is entering an exciting new chapter, and we’re looking for a Head Chef to lead the way.

We’re a proudly local wine bar in Torquay North, known for our great wine, great people and a loyal local following. With a full commercial kitchen and an expanded outdoor space on the horizon, we’re ready to take our food offering to the next level, and we’re looking for the right person to help us do it.

The vision? Elevated bistro food with a British twist. A menu that’s thoughtful, seasonal and full of flavour, without being overcomplicated. Food that works just as well alongside a casual glass of wine as it does for a long lunch, date night or a special bottle shared among friends.

THE ROLE

This is an opportunity to genuinely own a kitchen, rather than simply run someone else’s menu.

You’ll take the lead on all things kitchen related, from developing and executing the menu to building a capable, consistent kitchen team. You’ll have the autonomy to shape how the kitchen operates, establish your standards and create a food offering that feels right at home at Archers.

Our core menu will remain relatively steady, with a focus on doing the simple things exceptionally well. But for those who enjoy getting creative, we also host intimate wine dinners for around 25 guests, giving you the opportunity to develop more ambitious, wine focused menus and showcase what you can do.

You’ll work closely with our front-of-house team to create an experience where the food and wine complement each other, without the ego or unnecessary fuss.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Taking full ownership and accountability for the kitchen, its standards and day-to-day operations.
• Developing and executing an elevated bistro menu with a distinctly British influence.
• Leading, mentoring and building a reliable, positive kitchen team.
• Managing food costs, ordering, stock control, prep systems and kitchen efficiency.
• Maintaining excellent food quality, consistency, presentation and food safety standards.
• Collaborating with our wine team on seasonal specials, wine dinners and the occasional opportunity to push the boundaries.
• Helping shape the next chapter of Archers as our kitchen and overall offering grow.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re open to the right person coming from a couple of different directions.

Perhaps you’re an experienced Sous Chef who’s ready to step up, take ownership and run your own kitchen. Or maybe you’re an established Head Chef who’s ready for a change of pace, somewhere you can do great work, have a life outside the kitchen and be part of a business with a strong local following.

Either way, you’ll be someone who:

• Takes pride in their food and has the experience to back it up.
• Is organised, commercially minded and comfortable being accountable for results.
• Knows how to lead a team.
• Enjoys developing high quality, & consistent food rather than changing the menu for the sake of it.
• Has a creative side and would relish the opportunity to design food for our wine dinners.
• Wants to be part of a team and a business that values good people, good produce and a great atmosphere.

WHY ARCHERS?

A generous salary. Real ownership. A better lifestyle.

• Make it your own. Have a genuine say in how the kitchen runs and the food we serve.
• A clear vision. Help build an elevated bistro offering that complements one of the Surf Coast’s best wine bars.
• A great wine program. Work alongside a wine list recognised with a two-glass rating at the Australian Wine List Awards.
• A loyal local following. Build relationships with regulars who appreciate good food, good wine and the people behind it.
• Year-round stability. Be part of an established business with consistent local trade, not a venue that relies solely on the summer rush.
• Room to grow. With our kitchen and outdoor offering expanding, there’s plenty to get excited about.

We’re not looking for someone to reinvent the wheel every week. We’re looking for someone who knows what good food looks like, can run a tight kitchen and wants the freedom and support to build something they’re proud of.

If you’re ready for your next move and the idea of leading the kitchen at a local wine bar sounds like your kind of thing, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested? Send us a message with a little about yourself, your experience and what you’d bring to Archers.

Pay: From $78,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Free drinks
• Free food

Experience:

• Chef: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person