Job Title

OverviewWayfinder is opening a new winery restaurant in Margaret River, built around a simple idea: the menu starts in the garden. We have a 1-acre market garden on site and a growing farm program. Your job is to turn that daily harvest into food thats considered, seasonal, and made to sit naturally alongside our wines. This is a founding role as our Head Chef. Youll set the food direction, build the kitchen systems, and lead the team from day one.What youll be buildinggarden-led, farm-to-table restaurant with a strong focus on provenance and seasonalityMenus that change with harvest, weather, and the realities of the regionA calm, professional kitchen culture with clear standards and good communicationFood designed to pair with Wayfinder wines and elevate the overall cellar door experienceWhat youll be responsible forCreating and executing two seasonal menus that make sense for their respective settings (60 seat restaurant and casual outdoor dining area)Working closely with our market garden team to plan planting and harvest around service needsLeading recruitment, training, and day-to-day management of the kitchen teamRunning service across both areas, plus events as requiredManaging food cost, stock, ordering, supplier relationships, and kitchen budgetsMaintaining high standards across quality, consistency, prep systems, and presentationEnsuring compliance across food safety, hygiene, and WHSBuilding sustainable practices that work in service (waste reduction, smart prep, whole-produce use)What were looking forYoure a senior chef who can lead a team and run a tight passwithout ego or chaos. You care about produce, but you also understand margins, rostering, prep discipline, and the commercial realities of a busy venue.5+ years in a senior chef leadership role in a quality, commercially successful kitchenStrong capability in cost control, ordering, stocktake, and kitchen administrationExperience writing menus that reflect seasonality (not catalogues)A leadership style thats direct, steady, and respectfulHigh standards for cleanliness, safety, and consistencyThe flexibility to work with what the garden and region can supply week to weekWhats on offerCompetitive salary (aligned to experience)A new, purpose-built kitchen and venueClose collaboration with garden and winemaking teamsA strong emphasis on daytime service and sustainable work practicesThe opportunity to define the culinary identity of Wayfinder Farm from the startAbout WayfinderWayfinder is part of Overstory, alongside Small Wonder (Tasmania) and Small Story Merchants (east-coast wine distribution). We also operate Wayfinder Dunsborough, our wine bar and restaurant that opened in 2024. Across the group, we build hospitality around seasonality, regional partnerships, and thoughtful service.ApplySend your CV and a short cover letter (max two pages) outlining:how you build menus around seasonality and harvestwhy this role in Margaret River makes sense for youApplicants must have the right to work full-time in Australia. No recruitment agencies, please.Applications may also be considered for an upcoming Sous Chef role.Be careful - Dont provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don''t transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad. #J-18808-Ljbffr