Stephen started his career as a chef which lasted 26 years, working across Australia and the UK. He also owned and operated his own restaurant and cafe in the Adelaide Hills.

Since leaving the kitchen, he has worked in the meat industry in various roles, including 13 years with MLA in Australia and 5 years in the United States. Stephen then left the MLA to join the commercial world working with Australian red meat exporters and an Australian smallgoods and seafood company which lasted 7 years.

He has since returned to MLA a year ago as Business Manager UK. For the past 10 years, he has judged the Sydney Royal Fine Foods beef and lamb competitions as a panel chair.