About Us:
Lion and Buffalo is a vibrant café located in the heart of South Coogee, known for its dedication to quality, innovative dishes, and exceptional customer service. As a key player in the local hospitality scene, we pride ourselves on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our customers. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Kitchen Manager to lead our kitchen operations and uphold our commitment to excellence.
Job Summary:
The Chef is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, preparation, and safety. This role involves managing kitchen staff, maintaining inventory, controlling costs, and ensuring an efficient and smooth kitchen workflow. The Kitchen Manager will work closely with the director and other team members to deliver an exceptional dining experience for our guests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Kitchen Operations: Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation. Ensure dishes are prepared according to the café's recipes and standards, maintaining consistency and quality at all times.
- Staff Management: Lead, train, and supervise the kitchen team, including chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants. Develop staff schedules, assign duties, and ensure optimal staffing levels to meet business needs. Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback and coaching to foster a productive and positive work environment.
- Inventory and Cost Control: Monitor and manage kitchen inventory, including ordering supplies, tracking stock levels, and reducing waste. Ensure cost-effective purchasing while maintaining the highest quality of ingredients. Work to control food costs, portion sizes, and minimise waste to maximise profitability.
- Menu Development: Collaborate with the director and kitchen team to develop and update menu offerings. Contribute creative ideas for seasonal specials, ensuring they align with the café's brand and customer preferences. Ensure that all menu items are accurately costed and priced.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure that the kitchen complies with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations. Implement and enforce proper food handling and sanitation practices. Maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment, conducting regular inspections to uphold high standards of cleanliness and safety.
- Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation. Monitor food preparation and ensure dishes meet the café's standards before they are served to customers. Address customer feedback related to food quality and take corrective actions as necessary.
- Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance and proper use of kitchen equipment. Arrange for repairs and maintenance as needed to ensure the kitchen operates efficiently. Monitor equipment to ensure it is in safe working order and meets all regulatory requirements.
- Budget Management: Assist in developing and managing the kitchen's budget. Track and report on kitchen expenses, including food costs, labour, and supplies. Work to meet financial goals by implementing cost-saving measures and increasing operational efficiency.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service delivery. Communicate effectively with the director and other staff to align kitchen operations with overall business objectives. Participate in staff meetings and contribute to the café's strategic planning.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, or similar role in a fast-paced café or restaurant setting. 2 years experience as a chef and a certificate IV in commercial cookery or kitchen management
- Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and guide kitchen staff.
- In-depth knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety regulations, and health standards.
- Excellent organisational and multitasking skills to manage multiple priorities and maintain high standards under pressure.
- Creative and passionate about food, with the ability to contribute to menu development.
- Strong budgeting and cost management skills.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with the team and customers.
- Formal culinary training or certification is preferred but not required.
Working Hours:
The Kitchen Manager position requires flexibility in working hours, including mornings, weekends, and public holidays, depending on the café's operational needs.
Benefits:
- Competitive base salary of $73,500 per annum.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.
- A supportive and dynamic work environment.
- Employee discounts on food and beverages.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role to John Hammon, Director, at [email protected] . Please include "Kitchen Manager Application – Lion and Buffalo" in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
LB South Coogee PTY LTD is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Lion and Buffalo is a vibrant café located in the heart of South Coogee, known for its dedication to quality, innovative dishes, and exceptional customer service. As a key player in the local hospitality scene, we pride ourselves on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our customers. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Kitchen Manager to lead our kitchen operations and uphold our commitment to excellence.
Job Summary:
The Chef is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, preparation, and safety. This role involves managing kitchen staff, maintaining inventory, controlling costs, and ensuring an efficient and smooth kitchen workflow. The Kitchen Manager will work closely with the director and other team members to deliver an exceptional dining experience for our guests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Kitchen Operations: Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation. Ensure dishes are prepared according to the café's recipes and standards, maintaining consistency and quality at all times.
- Staff Management: Lead, train, and supervise the kitchen team, including chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants. Develop staff schedules, assign duties, and ensure optimal staffing levels to meet business needs. Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback and coaching to foster a productive and positive work environment.
- Inventory and Cost Control: Monitor and manage kitchen inventory, including ordering supplies, tracking stock levels, and reducing waste. Ensure cost-effective purchasing while maintaining the highest quality of ingredients. Work to control food costs, portion sizes, and minimise waste to maximise profitability.
- Menu Development: Collaborate with the director and kitchen team to develop and update menu offerings. Contribute creative ideas for seasonal specials, ensuring they align with the café's brand and customer preferences. Ensure that all menu items are accurately costed and priced.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure that the kitchen complies with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations. Implement and enforce proper food handling and sanitation practices. Maintain a clean and organised kitchen environment, conducting regular inspections to uphold high standards of cleanliness and safety.
- Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation. Monitor food preparation and ensure dishes meet the café's standards before they are served to customers. Address customer feedback related to food quality and take corrective actions as necessary.
- Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance and proper use of kitchen equipment. Arrange for repairs and maintenance as needed to ensure the kitchen operates efficiently. Monitor equipment to ensure it is in safe working order and meets all regulatory requirements.
- Budget Management: Assist in developing and managing the kitchen's budget. Track and report on kitchen expenses, including food costs, labour, and supplies. Work to meet financial goals by implementing cost-saving measures and increasing operational efficiency.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service delivery. Communicate effectively with the director and other staff to align kitchen operations with overall business objectives. Participate in staff meetings and contribute to the café's strategic planning.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, or similar role in a fast-paced café or restaurant setting. 2 years experience as a chef and a certificate IV in commercial cookery or kitchen management
- Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and guide kitchen staff.
- In-depth knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety regulations, and health standards.
- Excellent organisational and multitasking skills to manage multiple priorities and maintain high standards under pressure.
- Creative and passionate about food, with the ability to contribute to menu development.
- Strong budgeting and cost management skills.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with the team and customers.
- Formal culinary training or certification is preferred but not required.
Working Hours:
The Kitchen Manager position requires flexibility in working hours, including mornings, weekends, and public holidays, depending on the café's operational needs.
Benefits:
- Competitive base salary of $73,500 per annum.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.
- A supportive and dynamic work environment.
- Employee discounts on food and beverages.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role to John Hammon, Director, at [email protected] . Please include "Kitchen Manager Application – Lion and Buffalo" in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
LB South Coogee PTY LTD is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
