Chef/Cook (Port Macquarie)

About the Venue: We are a craft cocktail bar with a Japanese-inspired menu centred around charcoal grilling and a strong focus on second-use and low-waste cooking. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, focused kitchen entering its next chapter, working with quality produce alongside a team that values adaptability, consistency, and sustainability. The venue places strong importance on fostering a kitchen culture grounded in respect, efficiency, and continuous improvement. This role offers the chance to work in a strong kitchen environment while enjoying a coastal lifestyle and a more balanced pace of work, and would suit a creative, collaborative, and team-oriented chef/cook. The Role:
- Prepare and execute dishes to a consistent, high standard
- Support day-to-day kitchen operations and ensure smooth, efficient workflow during service
- Work closely within a small kitchen team (typically one chef/cook with additional support during busy services)
- Work with premium produce, seafood and charcoal cooking techniques
- Assist with food preparation, service execution and maintaining kitchen organisation
- Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness and kitchen presentation
- Monitor stock levels, assist with ordering and minimise waste
- Assist management with menu development, food cost control and basic costings
- Follow and contribute to standard operating procedures to ensure consistency
- Collaborate with kitchen, bar and management teams to deliver a seamless guest experience
- Contribute positively to kitchen culture and the ongoing growth of the venue
- Work both independently and as part of a team Skills & Experience:
- Experience working in a commercial kitchen (casual dining or above)
- Casual fine dining or bistro-style experience strongly preferred
- Confidence working in a small team and managing service flow
- Ability to work autonomously when required
- Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene practices
- Experience with seafood is highly regarded
- Experience with charcoal or grill cooking is advantageous but not essential
- Professional, reliable, and consistent in approach
- Positive attitude with a collaborative, team-first mindset
- Creative with an interest in produce, flavour, and continuous improvement
- Robust communication skills and ability to take and give feedback respectfully
- Calm under pressure with a solutions-focused approach What We Offer:
- Consistent casual hours and a stable, well-structured roster
- A focus on sustainable, manageable service
- The opportunity to develop into a full-time position for the right candidate
- A small, experienced and collaborative team environment
- The opportunity to contribute to menu development and the direction of the kitchen
- Autonomy and trust in a well-structured, low-ego kitchen
- Staff meals
- A kitchen committed to sustainability, second-use practices, and thoughtful food. If you’re a cook/chef who enjoys working in a small team, takes pride in your work, and wants to be part of a unique and growing venue, we’d love to hear from you. Apply Now!! Pay: $32.00 – $38.00 per hour Work Location: In person Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3qk7ew