Head Chef

Placed.au is looking for a full-time Head Chef for our client in Hughesdale, Victoria. This role is responsible for leading kitchen operations, developing menus, managing staff, and ensuring high-quality food production in a dynamic hospitality environment.

Job Description

• Develop and monitor kitchen budgets, taking into account labour, ingredients, and equipment costs to ensure cost-efficiency without compromising quality.

• Design and update menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, customer preferences, and profitability goals.

• Oversee the recruitment, training, and professional development of kitchen staff to maintain a high-performance team.

• Assign daily responsibilities and tasks to kitchen staff ensuring smooth kitchen operations.

• Supervise the preparation and final presentation of all dishes to ensure they meet brand and quality standards.

• Apply and teach advanced culinary techniques to support a high-quality, innovative menu offering.

• Inspect ingredients and completed dishes regularly to ensure they meet strict quality and consistency standards.

• Enforce rigorous adherence to health, hygiene, and food safety regulations in all kitchen processes.

Qualifications / Attributes

• Must hold a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or higher, or at least 3 years of relevant work experience in lieu of the qualification.

• Strong understanding of kitchen budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.

• Advanced culinary training and hands-on experience in a variety of cooking techniques.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team management skills.

• Thorough knowledge of food safety and occupational health regulations.

• Creativity and passion for seasonal, quality-driven cuisine.

Salary Range

$75,000 – $90,000 per annum excluding superannuation.