At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals and lead kitchen teams across Northern Sydney.
- Company: Join Opal HealthCare, a leading aged care provider with a compassionate culture.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, scholarships for study, and flexible work across communities.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and national secondments available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives through exceptional dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery and 5+ years as a Head Chef.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 $ per year.
At Opal HealthCare, we know that companies don’t succeed, people do. Our purpose is to bring joy to those we care for and our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence reflect that CARE is at the heart of everything we do. Opal HealthCare is one of Australia’s leading aged care providers with over 150 Care Communities and over 23,000 team members nationwide.
About the Role: We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Regional Relief Chef to support our care communities by delivering exceptional dining experiences and stepping into key culinary leadership roles during periods of leave. This is a hands‑on Chef role requiring travel across Northern Sydney providing Head Chef and Sous Chef coverage as needed. You’ll bring a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, Food Safety Supervisory Certification, and 5+ years’ Head Chef experience in aged care, hotels, or similar environments.
What’s on Offer:
- Location: Regional travel across your assigned Opal HealthCare region
- Employment Type: Permanent full-time position
- Remuneration: Attractive base salary + 12% superannuation
- Variety & Flexibility: Work across multiple Care Communities, bringing your skills where they are needed most
Why Choose Opal?
- Supportive work environment — Join an experienced hospitality and leadership team
- Career development through the Opal HealthCare Academy and culinary upskilling programs
- Leadership pathways — Grow into senior culinary or hospitality leadership roles
- Study support — Scholarships up to $15,000 for further professional development
- $5,000 referral bonuses for bringing great people into the team
- National secondment opportunities — Explore new locations and broaden your experience
- Be part of sector‑leading innovation in aged care food services
What You’ll Do:
- Prepare nutritious, high‑quality meals aligned with resident dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements
- Create meaningful food experiences that enhance resident wellbeing
- Lead kitchen and hospitality teams when covering Head Chef or Sous Chef duties
- Maintain exceptional standards in food safety, hygiene, and WHS compliance
- Manage stock, ordering, and kitchen budgets in line with Opal procurement guidelines
- Build strong connections with residents, families, and team members
- Support training, onboarding, and coaching of kitchen staff
- Contribute to seasonal menu creation and community‑wide catering events
What You’ll Need:
- Food Safety Supervisor Certification
- Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Chef
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience (hospitality/aged care highly regarded)
- Excellent communication, leadership, and time‑management skills
- Ability to stay calm, professional, and solutions‑focused in a busy kitchen environment
- Understanding of Food Safety, WHS, infection control, and relevant legislation
- Willingness to complete: Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check
Create Meaningful Experiences Through Food. If you are a talented chef who believes food plays a vital role in joy, wellbeing, and connection, this is your opportunity to make a profound impact across multiple communities.
Regional Relief Chef – Northern Sydney employer: Opal Healthcare
At Opal HealthCare, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence. As the Head Chef at Carlingford Greens Care Community, you'll enjoy a true work-life balance with a Monday to Friday roster, along with opportunities for career development through our Opal HealthCare Academy. With a focus on creative freedom in menu design and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents, this role provides a meaningful and rewarding experience in a modern, purpose-built environment.
