About the role

Kimberley Grande Resort - Kununurra is seeking a very experienced Second Chef with leadership and people management experience to assist the Head Chef and fill this role in their absence. You will be able to inspire the team with your exceptional culinary skills overseeing the day-to-day kitchen operations. A thorough understanding of food safety regulations and cost control measures is essential. Prior experience in a remote area is beneficial.

This full-time role is crucial in maintaining the high culinary standards of our established restaurant. Our ideal candidate is a creative professional who is willing to participate in or supervise a busy kitchen creating delicious seasonal menus and assist in meal designs.

The Property

• Kimberley Grande Resort
• 73 room lakeside resort on Victoria Highway, 10 min walk to the center of Kununurra & 2 minutes drive from the Airport
• Airport has direct flights to Darwin, Perth & Broome
• 80-seat Restaurant, 70-Seat Sports Bar, 2 conference & 1 large function room.
• Breakfast service during peak season
• Busy season March to October, inclusive of the Kimberley Moon Festival/Ord Valley Muster in May
• Base trade is Tour Groups, Tourists and Functions during the Dry Season, Locals and Corporate Travellers in the Wet Season
• 9-10-hour drive to Darwin & Broome, 5 Hours to Katherine across the border via Timber Creek
• On site accommodation available

What you'll be doing

• Planning and preparing diverse and creative menus that showcase the best of local and seasonal produce
• Managing and supervising the kitchen team to ensure efficient and coordinated meal preparation
• Maintaining strict food safety and hygiene standards in the kitchen
• Controlling food and labour costs to maximise profitability
• Collaborating with the management team to develop new menu items and dining experiences
• Ensuring a positive and productive kitchen environment
• Ensuring efficient preparation and delivery of functions
• Ability to delivering an award winning buffet or tailor making a-la-carte menus for our varied bus groups and tailor making a-la-carte menus

Chef duties and responsibilities

As second in charge you should be able to perform a broad range of day-to-day duties. These include:

•   Ability to supervise the smooth running of a busy kitchen, including the daily preparation, production and presentation of food.
•  Working alongside, direct and support kitchen team members including an apprentice ensuring excellence and consistency in the product delivered to customers.
•   Assisting other Chefs with monitoring all food being served by the Kitchen is of a high quality & accurate portion size in a timely manner.
• Ordering supplies in a timely and cost effective manner.
• Maintaining stock control through recording & monitoring wastage of your section.
• Ensuring the cold rooms and freezer are kept organised, dated and counted regularly.
•   Taking stock of ingredients and equipment and placing orders to replenish stock.
•   Enforcing daily safety and sanitation standards in the kitchen.
•   Creating new recipes to keep the menu fresh with costing.
•   Keeping up to date with industry trends.
•   Receiving feedback and making improvements where necessary.
•   Devise new menu items in consultation with other Chefs and planning menus.
•   Preparing for service, which includes ensuring the kitchen is well stocked with the necessary ingredients, as well as cleaning, cutting and marinating food.
•   Cooking and serving food, while coordinating with other kitchen staff and wait staff
•   Maintaining the cleanliness and tidiness of the kitchen.
•   Ensuring that dishes meet high standards at all stages of preparation and presentation.
•   Training junior chefs/apprentices to prepare and cook relevant menu items and training how to keep an organised and clean kitchen.

Skills and Qualifications:

To be successful in this role you will need;

•   Minimum Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent recognised qualification)
• Minimum 5 years current previous commercial cooking experience including at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior chef role/Head Chef role
• Australian citizenship, permanent residency of valid work visa with appropriate work rights
•   Food Safety Certificate
•   Food Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain/renew before commencement)
• Current Police Check (or willingness to obtain one)
•   Strong communication and organizational skills
•   Specialty in cooking on the grill (preferable)
•   A positive and energetic attitude
•   Be able to work under pressure within a dynamic team environment
•   Exemplary work ethic in a high-pressure environment including functions and bus groups
•   Be able to coach and motivate less experienced members of the kitchen team including training our apprentice
•   Availability to work a variety of shifts on a rotating roster (including weekends and public holidays)
•   Perfectionism in sanitation and quality control on a daily basis
•   Portfolio of creative, unique dishes
•   Expert multitasking ability
•   Great interpersonal skills
•   Passion and pride for delighting people with food
•   Develop new menu options based on seasonal changes and customer demand
•   Ensure that kitchen activities operate in a timely manner
•   Being able to maintain standards and expectations of the business
•   Minimum of 2 years' previous A La Carte experience and buffet preparation
•   Challenge driven with a strong passion for continued learning and self-development
•   Ability to work in a small team environment and be flexible with working conditions
•   Excellent knowledge in commercial cookery (desserts, grill, larder etc.)

At Kimberley Grande Resort, we provide a supportive and inclusive work environment where your talent and contributions will be truly valued.

The resort is a renowned hospitality destination in the heart of Western Australia's Kimberley region. Our restaurant offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the best of local and regional produce. As part of our dedicated team, you will play a crucial role in delivering exceptional service and culinary excellence to our guests.

If you are an experienced Chef or desire to be an acting Head Chef who is passionate about elevating the dining experience, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our talented kitchen team. Sponsorship is available to the right applicant.