Job Description
About the Role This is a role for a hands-on Head Chef who values ownership, respect, and simplicity. At Dyers, we are an independent, family-run venue where leadership is shared, accountability matters, and culture is everything. If you’re looking for a kitchen where you can lead from the front, work closely with involved owners, and build something meaningful with a committed team, this role may be for you. You will work closely with highly involved owners and operate the kitchen as if it were your own business — balancing leadership, creativity, and commercial responsibility. This is not a corporate or group-run venue. The independent operation brings freedom, but also responsibility — there is nowhere to hide, and success is shared. Salary: $90,000 – $110,000 (commensurate with experience) Core Responsibilities Kitchen Operations • Lead day-to-day kitchen operations and service • Ensure adherence to all internal processes and external compliance requirements People & Leadership • Work collaboratively with the existing team, recognising and developing individual strengths • Lead by example and foster a respectful, supportive kitchen culture Financial Management • Actively manage food costs, wages, and operational expenses • Review and adjust weekly and daily costs to meet budget targets Menu Development • Design and refine menus with seasonal updates • Deliver menu changes within agreed timeframes and guidelines Compliance • Interpret kitchen reports, audits, and documentation • Identify and mitigate risks while ensuring all compliance obligations are met About you • Full working rights in Australia • Comfortable working closely with hands-on owners • Understands the realities and rewards of a family-run business • Leads by example and believes in the craft of cooking • Values simplicity and consistency — simple is beautiful • Communicates clearly, openly, and honestly • Respects people, produce, processes, and customers • Invested in helping others learn and grow • Willing to have real conversations — agree to disagree, then commit What we are Not looking for • Ego-driven leadership • “I know everything” or “I’m the boss” mentality • Use of abusive or disrespectful language • Making excuses instead of taking responsibility • Lack of respect for people, produce, or process What we offer • Leadership role in an iconic regional venue • A genuinely healthy and respectful work environment • Flexibility to attend personal commitments during the workday • 5-day work week, closed on public holidays • Opportunity to grow personally as the business grows • Scope to develop new business ideas in collaboration with the owners • Very competitive salary for a regional role • A beautiful regional city to live and work in Interview process • Initial screening call or video interview (15min) • Interview with Owner 1 • Interview with Owner 2 • Meet the team and complete a trial shift