Chef

VMCH; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 28,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, family friendly work culture

Wellbeing initiatives

Paid parental leave

Fitness Passport access

Staff development opportunities

Job summary

VMCH seeks an experienced Chef Manager to lead the kitchen and catering operations at St Clare Retirement Precinct in Kew. This role focuses on high‑quality, nutritious meals, safety compliance, budgeting, and staff supervision.

As a part‑time Chef Manager (20.5 hours/week), you will plan menus, oversee food safety, stock control and procurement, and work with the precinct and hospitality teams to deliver resident‑centered dining.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership in kitchen operations.
• Strong knowledge of Food Safety Standards.
• Qualification in Commercial Cookery and Food Safety Standards.
• Experience in retirement living environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and catering service for residents.
• Plan and prepare seasonal, nutritious menus reflecting dietary needs.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, allergen management, and WHS.
• Manage procurement, stock control, supplier pricing, food costings and budget.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen/hospitality staff to deliver exceptional service.
• Collaborate with village and hospitality teams for daily dining and events.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in service delivery, quality and resident experience.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety standards

Cookery qualification

Time management

Staff supervision

Retirement living experience

Education

Commercial cookery qualification

Food safety certification

Job description

• Pivotal leadership role – part-time position Chef
• Stunning Retirement Living Precinct in Kew
• Purpose-led organisation supporting 11,000+ people annually

The position

Are you an experienced Chef Manager who is passionate about delivering high-quality, nutritious meals and creating a warm, welcoming dining experience? VMCH is seeking a dedicated Chef Manager to lead the kitchen and catering operations at St Clare Retirement Precinct in Kew.

In this rewarding leadership role, you will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, food safety compliance, stock control, budgeting, and team supervision. Working closely with the Precinct Manager and broader hospitality team, you will help deliver an exceptional resident-focused catering service that supports wellbeing, choice, and connection.

This position is part‑time 20.5 hours per week, shifts Tuesday, Thursday1.00 – 9.00pm and Friday 9.00am -3.00pm.

VMCH. Flourishing communities, vibrant careers. At VMCH, the future is bright and rewarding.

The responsibilities

As Chef Manager, you will lead the delivery of a high‑quality catering service for residents, ensuring meals are seasonal, nutritious, appealing, and meet dietary needs. You will be responsible for maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, managing procurement and stock control, monitoring food costs, and fostering a positive, service‑focused team culture.

• Lead the effective and efficient operation of the kitchen and catering service.
• Plan and prepare seasonal, nutritious menus that reflect resident preferences and dietary requirements.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, allergen management, and workplace health and safety.
• Oversee procurement, stock control, supplier pricing, food costings, and budget performance.
• Supervise, mentor, and support kitchen and hospitality staff to deliver exceptional service.
• Collaborate with village and hospitality teams to support daily dining services and special events.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in service delivery, quality, and resident experience.

What’s required

• Extensive leadership in Kitchen operations
• Comprehensive understanding of Food Safety Standards
• Relevant qualification in Commercial Cookery and Food Safety Standards
• Strong organisational skills, time management and staff supervision
• Experience in Retirement living environment

What’s possible

• Rewarding work, within a supportive environment
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Competitive salary + salary packaging (with potential for increased take‑home pay)
• Flexible, family friendly work culture
• Wellbeing initiatives and paid parental leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for you and close family members
• Enjoy access to Fitness Passport, helping you and your family stay active with heavily discounted access to hundreds of fitness and recreation venues
• Discounts on private health insurance, school holiday programs, car hire and much more!
• Open a high-interest savings account via our banking partner
• Join a place where diversity and inclusion lives, breathes and thrives.

More about us

VMCH is a Catholic, for‑purpose organisation providing aged care, disability services, retirement living, home care, specialist education and affordable housing across Victoria. With more than 100 years of experience, our workforce of 4,000-plus staff and volunteers are dedicated to supporting 15,000+ people primarily in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria

Please note successful applicants to this position will be required to provide evidence of relevant work permits or Australian residency, and the necessary screening checks.

If you meet the above criteria and are passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives, we would love to hear from you.

Advertised: 13 Aug 2026 11:00 AM AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: