Restaurant & Events Chef | Work-Life Balance | Immediate Start

Restaurant & Events Chef

Cézan Trattoria & Bar at Krinklewood Estate

Broke Fordwich, Hunter Valley NSW
Full-Time | Thursday–Monday
$90,000 + Super

A Chef Role With Genuine Work-Life Balance

Looking for a kitchen leadership role without the relentless late nights and city hospitality grind?

At Krinklewood Estate, most of our service is centred around long lunches, wine tastings, private dining experiences and weekend celebrations. Outside of weddings and special events, you'll enjoy a more balanced rhythm of service, with the majority of shifts finishing earlier than a traditional restaurant environment.

This is an opportunity to lead a small kitchen team, create beautiful food and enjoy a lifestyle that's increasingly rare in hospitality.

About Us

Cézan Trattoria & Bar sits at the heart of Krinklewood Estate, a 150-acre certified organic and biodynamic vineyard in the Hunter Valley.

Surrounded by vines, gardens and roaming peacocks, Cézan celebrates Mediterranean-inspired food, seasonal produce and exceptional wine experiences. From relaxed long lunches to weddings and estate events, we're building one of the region's most exciting hospitality destinations.

About the Role

This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for the day-to-day running of our kitchen operations.

Working alongside our Executive Chef, who oversees the culinary direction and menu development, you'll lead service, mentor junior staff and ensure exceptional execution across the restaurant, weddings and events program.

You'll oversee:

• Cézan Trattoria & Bar lunch service

• Weddings and private events

• Estate dining experiences and activations

• Kitchen operations, ordering and prep

• Apprentice and junior chef development

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading daily kitchen operations and service

• Executing seasonal menus to a high standard

• Managing ordering, stock control and food costs

• Training and mentoring junior kitchen team members

• Delivering weddings, events and private dining experiences

• Maintaining food safety and kitchen standards

• Working closely with our Executive Chef, a Junior Chef and wider hospitality team

About You

• Previous experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Lead Chef or similar

• Confident leading service and managing a small team

• Passionate about seasonal, produce-led cooking

• Organised, reliable and calm under pressure

• Strong communication and leadership skills

• Excited by hospitality, events and creating memorable guest experiences

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Genuine work-life balance compared to traditional restaurant kitchens

• Predominantly daytime and lunch-focused service

• Creative input without the pressure of sole menu responsibility

• Work in one of Australia's most beautiful vineyard settings

• Small, supportive and passionate team

• Staff dining and wine benefits

• A mix of restaurant, events and estate experiences that keeps every week interesting

The Details

• Full-Time Position

• Thursday–Monday roster

• $90,000 + Super

• Immediate start available

• Based in Broke Fordwich, Hunter Valley

If you're looking for a role that combines leadership, quality food, beautiful surroundings and a more sustainable hospitality lifestyle, we'd love to hear from you.