Job Description

The Venue

The Narooma Precinct is part of the Merivale portfolio, located on the stunning NSW South Coast. Bringing together The Quarterdeck, Lynch’s and The Whale – featuring Dan Hong’s Queen Chow – this is a truly unique coastal offering.

Set against pristine beaches and ocean views, the precinct celebrates fresh local produce, relaxed dining and high-quality execution across multiple venues. With a strong local following and consistent tourism trade, this is a high-volume, multi-faceted operation with real scale and opportunity.

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced Breakfast Chef de Partie to join the team at The Whale. This is a key role focused on delivering consistently exceptional breakfast service for both hotel guests and locals in a busy coastal setting.

You’ll take ownership of your section, working with fresh, seasonal produce and supporting a smooth, high-quality breakfast service every day.

• Deliver consistently high-quality breakfast dishes with precision, speed and pride
• Set the tone for the guest experience through strong execution and attention to detail
• Work with outstanding local produce and showcase the South Coast offering
• Take ownership of your section and contribute to a calm, well-organised breakfast service
• Maintain high standards across food safety, preparation and service consistency
• Support menu execution while adapting to a high-volume, guest-focused environment
• Work closely with the broader kitchen team to ensure smooth daily operations
• Contribute to a positive, professional kitchen culture focused on standards and teamwork

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.

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
• Unlimited career growth with endless development opportunities
• Merivale Academy – online and in-person training, including Leadership & Performance, First Aid, Food Safety and more
• Employee Assistance Program – confidential wellbeing and mental health support, provided by Sonder
• Employee Referral Program – earn rewards for bringing great people on board
• Paid parental leave with flexible return-to-work support
• Potential sponsorship pathways available to suitable candidates