Job Overview & Organization Mission

Teach culinary techniques, butchery, sauces, and kitchen brigade management to apprentice chefs at TAFE NSW Newcastle Hamilton campus.

TAFE NSW is hiring an enthusiastic Senior Commercial Cookery & Culinary Arts Teacher to join our Tourism & Hospitality faculty at the Hamilton campus in Newcastle West. You will deliver practical culinary instruction to apprentice chefs completing Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, teaching classical culinary foundations, HACCP food hygiene, kitchen management, and contemporary Australian gastronomy.

As a key member of the team at TAFE NSW in Newcastle, NSW, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Deliver hands-on: Deliver hands-on culinary practical classes in fully equipped commercial training kitchens and campus dining restaurants.
• Instruct students: Instruct students in knife skills, butchery, stocks, classical sauces, pastry basics, and modern plate presentation.
• Conduct competency-based: Conduct competency-based assessments and practical kitchen exam evaluations under ASQA training package rules.
• Maintain commercial: Maintain commercial kitchen equipment, manage ingredient food orders, and enforce strict food safety sanitation.
• Mentor apprentice: Mentor apprentice chefs in kitchen discipline, professional ethics, and career pathways in the hospitality sector.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at TAFE NSW, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery + Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116/TAE40122).
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or trade papers).
• Current Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116 or TAE40122).
• At least 5 years of commercial culinary experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Chef de Partie.
• Genuine enthusiasm for teaching, mentoring youth, and fostering a passion for food arts.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At TAFE NSW, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$105,000 – AU$125,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Salary $105,000 – $125,000 + NSW public sector superannuation benefits + school holiday vacation periods.
• Newcastle coastal lifestyle with great beaches, vibrant food scene, and affordable living.
• Supportive faculty environment with dedicated culinary facilities and career development.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: TAFE NSW

TAFE NSW trains the next generation of apprentice chefs and hospitality professionals in commercial training kitchens.

TAFE NSW is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official TAFE NSW careers gateway.