Overview of ActivateUTS
ActivateUTS is a non-profit organisation dedicated to giving students a richer campus experience at UTS. We support over 180 student clubs and societies and manage a range of campus facilities, including bars, cafés, a fitness centre, retail, and student-led events. Our values – Passion, Growth, Collaboration, Trust, and Inclusion – guide everything we do.
About the Role
We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced Group Head Chef to lead our culinary operations across multiple venues – including the Aerial Function Centre, Terrace Café, The Underground, and The Loft bars – as well as campus-wide catering and future ventures.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll shape the food culture at UTS. You’ll oversee kitchen operations, inspire teams, and deliver high-quality, trend-driven menus that align with customer expectations, compliance standards, and financial targets.
Key Responsibilities
-
Lead & Mentor: Manage and develop kitchen teams across all venues.
-
Innovate: Design seasonal, trend-driven menus that balance creativity and cost-effectiveness.
-
Operational Excellence: Streamline processes to ensure consistent, high-quality service.
-
Procurement: Source high-quality ingredients, manage supplier relationships, and negotiate group pricing.
-
Safety & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with WHS and food safety standards.
-
Financial Management: Control food and labour costs, and report on performance.
-
Strategic Vision: Collaborate with ActivateUTS leadership to align culinary strategies with overall organisational goals.
-
Customer Experience: Deliver a superior culinary and customer service experience, continuously evaluating customer feedback.
-
Sustainability Practices: Promote sustainable sourcing and waste management practices.
-
Financial Reporting: Prepare and present regular financial reports to senior management.
About You
You’re a strong leader with a strategic mindset and a passion for culinary innovation. You’ll bring:
- 7–10+ years’ experience in high-volume or multi-site kitchen operations
- Proven experience managing and developing diverse teams
- Strong skills in menu development and cost control
- In-depth knowledge of WHS and food safety standards
- Excellent communication and a customer-first approach
- A collaborative, hands-on working style
Why Join Us?
Be part of a vibrant and purpose-driven organisation where your impact goes beyond the kitchen. At ActivateUTS, we offer:
- Generous employer superannuation contributions above the standard requirement
- A collaborative and supportive team environment
- Opportunities across a diverse venue and commercial portfolio
- Free gym membership
- Access to Fitness Passport
- Daily meal allowance
- Additional paid leave days
- Wellbeing initiatives
- An inclusive culture built on Passion, Growth, Collaboration, Trust and Inclusion
Life at ActivateUTS
Our vision is to be the heart of the UTS community and a national leader in student service delivery. We manage:
- 190 student clubs and societies (22,000+ memberships)
- Major campus events, including O’Day and O’Fest
- Sports programs (8 programs, 2 gyms, 350+ student-athletes)
- Food and beverage venues, a commercial function centre, and ActivateFit – the on-campus gym
Learn more at activateuts.com.au
Follow us: @activateuts @activatefit.gym @theloftuts @undergrounduts @aerialutsfunctioncentre @theutsstore
Ready to shape the future of food at UTS?
Apply now and bring your leadership, creativity, and expertise to ActivateUTS.
