Company Description

At Merivale, people are at the heart of everything we do - a family-owned hospitality group with a portfolio of more than 90 venues across Australia. From iconic venues to unforgettable guest experiences, our diverse portfolio spans restaurants, bars, pubs, nightlife, and events, delivering exceptional moments for our guests every day. 

Job Description

The Venue

The Whale Hotel sits within Merivale’s Narooma Precinct on the stunning NSW South Coast. Home to Queen Chow | Narooma, it brings together hotel hospitality and dining in a coastal setting.

Alongside The Quarterdeck and Lynch’s, The Whale is part of a precinct that celebrates fresh local produce, relaxed dining and high-quality execution. With a strong local following and consistent tourism trade, it’s a busy operation with real variety and opportunity.

The Lifestyle

If you’re ready to step away from the city and into a life shaped by ocean views, fresh coastal air, incredible local seafood and a warm, tight-knit community – this could be your moment.

Working in Narooma offers more than a chef role; it’s an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that many only experience on holidays. Start your mornings by the ocean, finish your shift with the beach at your doorstep, and become part of a community that values connection, adventure and balance.

Narooma delivers a true outdoor lifestyle, with year-round swimming, surfing, mountain biking and endless time in nature. It’s also home to world-class diving at nearby Montague Island, making it the perfect place for anyone who loves adventure and an active, outdoor community.

Qualifications

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced Chef de Partie to join the team at The Whale Hotel. Working across hotel operations and Queen Chow | Narooma, you’ll take responsibility for pastry production and breakfast service, including desserts and basic chocolate work.

This is a hands-on Chef de Partie role. You’ll manage your preparation and section, maintain high standards through service and work closely with the wider kitchen team to deliver a great experience for hotel guests and locals.

• Prepare pastries and desserts to a consistently high standard
• Carry out basic chocolate work with care and attention to detail
• Lead your section through a busy breakfast service, delivering dishes with precision, speed and pride
• Plan and manage preparation across pastry and breakfast
• Maintain strong standards of flavour, presentation, consistency and food safety
• Work with fresh local produce and showcase the South Coast offering
• Support and guide junior chefs working on your section
• Work closely with the hotel and Queen Chow kitchen teams, contributing to a positive, professional culture
• Potential sponsorship pathways available to suitable candidates

Additional Information

Merivale Employee Benefits 

• 25% staff discount across 90+ Merivale venues. 
• Exclusive monthly perks, staff-only rewards and events. 
• Merivale Staff Cellar – access to premium wines at staff pricing. 
• Paid parental leave – with flexible return to work options. 
• Unlimited career growth with endless development opportunities. 
• Merivale Academy – online and in-person training, including Leadership, Guest Experience, F&B. 
• Professional accreditation support – including Leadership and WSET qualifications. 
• Employee Assistance Program – confidential wellbeing and mental health support, provided by Sonder. 
• Employee Referral Program – earn rewards for bringing great people on board.