Job Description
CLIENT PROFILE:
We are partnered with a premium Melbourne based hospitality Group who run a series of venues across the city. The Group is hiring for a Head Chef for their iconic flagship restaurant along the Yarra River, just off the railway platform at Flinders Street Station. The venue is an alfresco eating and drinking spot offering a considered, craft-focused and comfort-driven food an beverage selection from morning through to late night.
The all-day menu is centred around simple, crowd-pleasing favourites — populated with plenty of snacks, small bites and bar food, plus more substantial
dishes that lean contemporary but nostalgic.
The drinks skew local, with an extensive list of easy drinking Australian wines and beers. The cocktails are aplenty too, with a focus on smashable classics.
ROLE OBJECTIVE:
Lead and manage the kitchen operations of the venue to ensure smooth and efficient back-of-house performance. Responsibilities include achieving financial goals, overseeing recruitment and team development, ensuring safety standards, and crafting food offerings that are aligned with the brand identity and customer preferences.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure consistency and quality
Maintain a profitable and professional kitchen environment
Develop creative and engaging menus
Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff
Ensure compliance with food safety and administrative protocols
Provide regular feedback and coaching to the kitchen team
Collaborate with Group's internal support via Group Exec Chef, Marketing, Finance and the opportunity for growth (new business and existing business)
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
Strong leadership and team-building abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
High attention to detail and strong organisational capabilities
Professional appearance and demeanour
Ability to assess and improve kitchen procedures
Understand customer preferences and tailor menus accordingly
Energetic, motivated, and results-driven
Collaborative and confident in decision-making
Technologically proficient and comfortable with systems
Commercially focused with a hands-on approach
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:
Relevant trade qualification
Minimum 3 years in a kitchen leadership role
Proven experience in managing large-scale food preparation, delivery, and storage
Confident in supplier communications and relationship management
To learn more about this role, submit your application or contact Aldrich Koh via aldrich@hastingspeople.com.au
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