Employment Type: Ongoing/Non-Ongoing
Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 2/Parliamentary Service Level 3
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 14 July 2025
Contact: David Learmonth, 02 6277 3910, David.Learmonth@aph.gov.au

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is seeking experienced and motivated Chefs and Chef de Parties to join the APH Catering and Events team at Australian Parliament House.
This is a unique opportunity to work in one of Australia’s most iconic venues, where you will enjoy a competitive salary, free secure parking, and complimentary gym membership. As part of a dynamic and collaborative team, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality food services across a variety of kitchen operations, including banquets, events, retail dining, production, and/or pastry.
The APH Catering and Events team provides in-house food and beverage services to parliamentarians, staff, and visitors. From casual café offerings to formal plated functions, our team is committed to culinary excellence, innovation, and service. Whether you are an experienced Chef or ready to step into a leadership role as Chef de Partie, this is an opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high-profile environment that values quality and professionalism.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for passionate and skilled culinary professionals who thrive in a high-volume, multi-outlet environment. You will be confident working across a range of kitchen settings and committed to delivering exceptional food and service.

To be successful in these roles, you will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a commercial kitchen, ideally across multiple service styles such as à la carte, banquets, retail, and pastry
• A strong understanding of food preparation, presentation, and service standards
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP requirements
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, with a positive and professional attitude
• For Chef de Partie roles: experience supervising kitchen staff, managing sections independently, and contributing to menu development and kitchen operations

If you believe that you are a good fit for DPS and have the requisite skills and aptitude to contribute to the delivery of exceptional services and experiences, we want to hear from you.

Job Specific Requirements:

• For Chef roles: A minimum of 2 years’ hands-on experience in a similar role within the industry.
• For Chef de Partie roles: A minimum of 5 years’ hands-on experience as a qualified chef, with at least 2 years’ experience as a Chef de Partie or equivalent.
• Evidence of a successful track record and a trade qualification in commercial cookery highly desirable but not essential.
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.

At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

OUR PURPOSE AND VALUES

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.
Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace.
Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

To be successful in these roles, you will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a commercial kitchen, ideally across multiple service styles such as à la carte, banquets, retail, and pastry
• A strong understanding of food preparation, presentation, and service standards
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP requirements
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, with a positive and professional attitude
• For Chef de Partie roles: experience supervising kitchen staff, managing sections independently, and contributing to menu development and kitchen operation

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Service Level 2 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with the delivery of food, beverage and catering services at APH through an in-house servicedelivery model ensuring a consistent high standard of food and service across all outlets.
• Provide high quality service in the preparation and production within the kitchen operation to meet appropriate standards by the application of specialist catering knowledge and techniques to meetthe requirements of customers.
• Participate and contribute to the Service First Culture as a motivated team player who is respectful and ethical.
• Establish and meet deadlines by planning and prioritising work to ensure timely service delivery.
• Maintain a contemporary knowledge of food industry trends, with the intent to recommend/implement improvements to develop all aspects of current food production, presentation, and service.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant WHS and food safety standards (HACCP).
• Other duties as required

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Service Level 2 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with the delivery of food, beverage and catering services at APH through an in-house service delivery model ensuring a consistent high standard of food and service across all outlets.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff, promoting a collaborative and efficient work environment. Implement standardised workflows to optimise kitchen operations.
• Develop and review menus, ensuring they are cost-effective and meet dietary requirements. Document recipes and maintain accurate records of and breakdowns.
• Provide high quality service in the preparation and production within the kitchen operation by applying specialist catering knowledge and techniques to meet diverse customer requirements.
• Establish and meet deadlines by planning and prioritising work to ensure timely service delivery.
• Maintain and develop the kitchens to their best operative level by monitoring existing equipment, new technology and innovations, and liaising with management on projected replacement plant to maximise the use of available resources.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant WHS and food safety standards (HACCP).
• Other duties as required to support the catering operations