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3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Looking for a Head Chef - Lead a catering kitchen that trains refugee & migrant chefs. Blend culinary excellence with social impact at FoodLab Sydney.About FoodLabWe are a not-for-profit culinary business incubator passionate about creating an inclusive, diverse and vibrant local food business landscape in Australia.We do three things: (1) run a food business training program to help educate refugee, migrant, low-income women, and First Nations people on food business skills like food operations, finance, costing, and marketing, (2) offer a commercial shared kitchen for businesses to scale and grow in a book and cook format, and (3) operate a corporate catering business that helps provide a practical training opportunity for participants and to subsidise (1) and (2).Role OverviewYou will lead FoodLabs thriving commercial catering business while empowering refugee, migrant, female, and First Nations entrepreneurs through hands-on training. As Head Chef, youll drive revenue and profitability to fund life-changing programs, blending culinary excellence with social impact. Oversee kitchen operations, mentor diverse trainees, and refine systems using Lean principlesall while crafting delicious, culturally inspired menus. Your leadership will shape both a sustainable business and a supportive kitchen culture rooted in inclusivity and continuous improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial & Operational LeadershipLead the commercial catering business, ensuring it meets annual revenue and profit targets to subsidise FoodLabs training programs.Oversee kitchen operations, including food prep, quality control, waste reduction, and workflow efficiency.Manage supplier relationships, administration, purchasing, and inventory using the Kanban ordering system to maintain optimal operational margins.Implement and refine Lean processes for continuous improvement in all kitchen and business systemsTraining and MentorshipSupport the Managing Director during the training program to train and mentor 820 participants per cohort (every 6 months) in kitchen operations, menu design, costing, and chef management skills.Mentor participants through the catering business as a practical component of the training program, developing systems for participant growth and feedback.Foster a supportive, inclusive kitchen culture that empowers entrepreneurs from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.Business Development & Client ManagementIdentify and grow new commercial catering opportunities to expand revenue streams.Build and maintain client relationships, ensuring a steady pipeline of profitable catering work.Handle quoting, invoicing, and customer management using CaterFlex software.Compliance and SafetyEnsure full compliance with food safety, WH&S, and hygiene standards across all operations.Train kitchen staff and participants in safe and efficient work practices.Support equipment maintenance and kitchen management for commercial hire.Brand & Community EngagementWhen necessary, act as a public face of FoodLab, participating in media, workshops, and promotional activities.Contribute to social media content, cooking demonstrations, and educational events.All other duties as assigned or needed. This role reports to the Managing Director.Culture & ValuesChampion FoodLabs mission of social impact, fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and collaboration.Support the Managing Director in aligning kitchen operations with FoodLabs visionEncourage teamwork and cultural exchange among diverse participantsLead by example in professionalism, adaptability and continuous learningSkills and Experience required5+ years as a head chef or executive chef.People-oriented with strong interpersonal skills. Experience working with vulnerable people is preferred.An adaptable and teachable individual with the capacity to run a successful (profitable) corporate catering business.Skilled in food business management preferred but not required.Strong organisational, operational, digital, financial and management skills.FoodLab Core Values:Always developing people and their capacity to solve problemsWed love to hear from you. To apply, please send us your CV and a short cover video (12 minutes) telling us a bit about yourself, why youre interested in working at FoodLab, and what youd bring to the Head Chef role.No need for a fancy production a quick video filmed in landscape on your phone is totally fine. We''re just keen to get a sense of who you are and why this role speaks to you.Please email your CV (pdf format only) and cover video (through WeTransfer) to apply@foodlabsydney.org.au by 16 May (early applications welcomed).Pay: $80,000 + Bonus on performance targets. Role includes Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)FTE: Full Time, 9-5pm role (flexible)Seniority levelSeniority levelDirectorEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionManagement and ManufacturingIndustriesFood and Beverage ServicesReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at FoodLab Sydney by 2xGet notified about new Head Chef jobs in Strathfield, New South Wales, Australia.Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 1 day agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoAssistant Chief Executive Club Med ResortSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 days agoKitchen Manager Lead Our AM Production Team | Mon-Fri;2am to 10:30amMillers Point, New South Wales, Australia 5 days agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoFrenchs Forest, New South Wales, Australia 2 days agoWoollahra, New South Wales, Australia 1 week agoWatsons Bay, New South Wales, Australia 1 week agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 1 month agoWatsons Bay, New South Wales, Australia 1 week agoNeutral Bay, New South Wales, Australia 1 week agoMascot, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoWoollahra, New South Wales, Australia 1 week agoFull Time Chef - Bianchini''s Elouera BeachCronulla, New South Wales, Australia 3 days agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 days agoNeutral Bay, New South Wales, Australia 1 week agoFull Time Cook - Bianchini''s Elouera BeachCronulla, New South Wales, Australia 4 days agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks agoMascot, New South Wales, Australia 4 days agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 months agoSydney, New South Wales, Australia 3 weeks agoWere unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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