WORK WITH US

Vacancy: Head cook/Kitchen manager
Location: Smokey Horse, Braidwood NSW
Employment type: Full-time (including evenings, weekends, and may include some public holidays)

About Smokey Horse

Smokey Horse is a Himalayan restaurant, small bar, and live music venue in historic Braidwood in regional NSW. We’re a family-run business with fun, quirky, relaxed vibes, amazing Nepali/himalayan soul food, local craft beer, wine and cocktails, and an occasional original live music venue.

About the role

Working closely with the owners, you'll oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, maintain our high food standards, have the opportunity to innovate, and help create memorable dining experiences for our guests. 

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and cook dishes to a consistently high standard in line with our menu and presentation standards.

• Work with the owners to develop and refine menu items.

• Plan food production and estimate ingredient requirements.

• Monitor food quality throughout preparation, cooking and service.

• Manage food ordering, stock control and inventory.

• Minimise waste and help manage food and labour costs.

• Train, mentor and supervise kitchen staff.

• Assist with staff rostering and daily kitchen operations.

• Ensure all food safety, hygiene and WHS requirements are met and maintained.

• Maintain a clean, organised and safe kitchen at all times, including daily cleaning of food preparation areas, equipment and storage spaces, and assist with cleaning dining and service areas as required to ensure the restaurant is presented to a high standard. 

• Work collaboratively with front-of-house staff to deliver excellent customer experiences.

• Cater for dietary requirements and special requests with care and attention.

About you

You'll need:

• At least 2 years' experience in a commercial kitchen, including experience in a leadership or senior cook role.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently while leading a small team.

• A solid understanding of food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements.

• Excellent communication skills and a positive, team-focused attitude.

• A genuine passion for creating delicious food and delivering great customer experiences.

Be great if you had:

• A Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, Kitchen Management or a related qualification is desirable but not essential for the right candidate with relevant experience.

• Familiarity with Nepali culture and/or cuisine - Nepalis strongly encouraged to apply!

• Familiarity with small town or regional hospitality settings.

• Hands-on, solutions-focused attitude with the ability to multitask.

• Car and driver’s license.

What we offer

• A creative, family-run, community-first workplace in one of NSW’s most beautiful regional towns

• Annual leave, personal leave and all statutory entitlements.

• Opportunity to shape and contribute to a unique regional small bar/restaurant.

• Supportive owners and a friendly, collaborative team.

• Lifestyle opportunity in the beautiful heritage town of Braidwood, an hour from Canberra.

Salary & conditions

A full-time salary with annual and personal leave will be negotiated based on experience and industry standards. 

Indicative work week: 

• Wednesday - 4 hours: food preparation, stock management, etc

• Thursday - 10 hours: food prep, service, shutdown

• Friday - 9 hours: food prep, service, shutdown

• Saturday - 8 hours: prep and service, shutdown

• Sunday: 7 hours: prep and service, shutdown

How to apply

Email your CV with two references including your current or most recent supervisor, plus up to a 500-word pitch telling us why you’re the right person for this job to thesmokeyhorse@gmail.com. This is a rolling recruitment with no deadline until we find the right candidate.