[22/10/2025] Head Chef

HEAD CHEF

The Organisation

UPA Aged Care Solutions is a not-for-profit, values-based organisation committed to providing high-quality Residential Aged Care, Home Care, and Retirement Services. We believe every individual has the right to live with dignity, respect, and security, and we strive to attract and retain top talent who share our philosophy of care.

The Opportunity

We are looking for 2 x Head Chefs to join our team at Woodlands Lodge,a 72-bed aged care living facility in Wallsend. With either part time or full time options, this is a great opportunity for the Head Chefs to lead and manage a team consisting of Chefs, Cooks and a large Food Services Team to ensure the smooth, efficient, and high-quality delivery of all food services within the facility. This includes the planning, preparation, cooking, and presentation of a variety of meals that are nutritious, appealing, and aligned with the individual dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements of residents. The Head Chef is accountable for ensuring that all food services operations comply with UPA’s policies and procedures, Food Safety Programs, relevant Australian Food Standards, and all other legislative and statutory requirements with comprehensive documentation maintained to support compliance and continuous improvement.

Typical work hours are from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

What you will bring to the role:

- Possession of a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521) or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (SIT40516), or an equivalent
qualification.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Chef or Cook Manager, preferably within an aged care or similar environment.
- Completion of Food Safety Supervisor Certificate, in line with NSW Food Authority requirements.
- Excellent understanding of HACCP & Food Safety legislative requirements.
- Demonstrated working knowledge or and experience in budget management and cost control.
- Previous experience in menu planning, food ordering, stock control, food preparation and dietary/nutrition requirements of vulnerable people as perthe NSW Food Act & NSW Food Authority Guidelines for Service for Vulnerable Persons.
- Ability to monitor and supervise staff performance and development
- Demonstrated commitment and capacity to implement the principles associated with EEO, Infection Control, Continuous Improvement and WH&S.
- Ability to develop key relationships at all levels within an organisation
- Demonstrated decision making, problem solving and conflict management skills.
- High standard of personal appearance, punctuality, and respectfulness towards other members of staff, residents, and their families.
- Ability to attend detail, identify problems, resolve, and escalate issues and work with minimal supervision.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan and prioritise work according to strict guidelines.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).
- Ability to use the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel & Outlook
applications).

Desired

- Experience with therapeutic or medical diets, including dementia-specific nutrition approaches.
- Training in allergen management and cross-contamination prevention.

Benefits and perks

- Competitive remuneration including eligibility for not-for-profit salary packaging options for permanent employees (up to $15,900 living expenses and $2,650 entertainment benefits, tax free)
- Access to a Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Up to $500 retention bonus for permanent appointments
- Platinum Member of the Australian College of Nursing
- Supportive and friendly work environment
- Work/life balance and flexible working arrangements available
- Workplace education and support provided
- Opportunity to make a real difference to your community and the lives of those in need

Pre-employment screening

The successful candidate is required to have completed/have a willingness to undertake the following:-

- Vaccinated in accordance with UPA’s Immunisation and Vaccination Policy. (including proof of the required doses of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine and annual influenza)
- Undertake a National Criminal History Check
- Pre-Employment Medical Assessment

Appointment is subject to satisfactory of all pre-employment checks.

Interested
Simply click on the ‘apply now’ button and submit your cover letter and resume for consideration. For a confidential discussion or to obtain a copy of the position description, please contact the UPA Talent Team at recruitment@upa.org.au.

To find out more about UPA of NSW, we invite you to visit our website at www.upa.org.au.

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the UPA’s Talent Team atrecruitment@upa.org.au.

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