Chef

Skillquest; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 78,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee mentoring program

Professional development assistance

Job summary

SkillQuest Solutions is seeking an experienced and motivated Chef on behalf of our client, a highly regarded casual dining restaurant located in Deer Park, Victoria. The role involves planning menus, cooking a variety of dishes, supervising kitchen staff and ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, efficiency and food safety.

The successful candidate will have a Diploma of Hospitality Management - Commercial Cookery, at least 1 year in a commercial kitchen, strong leadership and

Qualifications

• Diploma of Hospitality Management - Commercial Cookery required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a commercial kitchen.
• Experience with American-style dishes is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan menus and develop dishes for the American-style menu.
• Coordinate day-to-day kitchen operations and supervise staff.
• Ensure high standards of food quality, safety and presentation.
• Monitor costs and manage stock to minimise wastage.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Time management

Food safety

Education

Diploma of Hospitality Management - Commercial Cookery

Job description

A popular and vibrant American-style restaurant is seeking a talented Chef to join its busy kitchen team.

SkillQuest Solutions is seeking an experienced and motivated Chef on behalf of our client, a highly regarded casual dining restaurant located in Deer Park, Victoria.

Specialising in American-style cuisine, the restaurant offers a diverse dine-in and takeaway menu featuring gourmet burgers, pizzas, loaded fries, hot dogs and creative desserts. With a strong focus on fresh ingredients, bold flavours and quality food preparation, the business is seeking a skilled Chef to join its kitchen team and contribute to the consistent delivery of high-quality meals.

Position – Chef

Location – Deer Park, VIC 3023

Salary – $78,000 - $85,000 plus superannuation per annum

Employment Type – Full-time, Permanent

THE ROLE:

The successful applicant will be responsible for planning menus, preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, coordinating daily kitchen operations and supervising and guiding kitchen staff, while maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, efficiency and food safety.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Lead, supervise and support the kitchen team to ensure efficient operations and consistently high standards of food preparation and service.
• Plan and develop menu items in consultation with management, considering customer preferences, seasonal ingredients and the restaurant’s American-style menu.
• Estimate food and ingredient requirements, monitor food costs and assist in managing kitchen expenditure.
• Monitor the quality of ingredients and finished dishes to maintain consistent standards of flavour, portion sizes and presentation.
• Oversee food preparation and cooking processes, ensuring all dishes are prepared according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes, including gourmet burgers, pizzas, grilled meats, loaded fries, sauces and other menu offerings.
• Coordinate kitchen activities and staff responsibilities during busy service periods to ensure meals are prepared and served efficiently.
• Monitor stock levels, order food supplies and ensure ingredients are correctly stored, rotated and managed to minimise wastage.
• Establish and maintain consistent food preparation, cooking, portioning and presentation standards across the menu.
• Train, guide and mentor kitchen staff in cooking techniques, food preparation, presentation and kitchen procedures.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, sanitation and workplace health and safety requirements throughout daily kitchen operations.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Relevant qualification, such as a Diploma of Hospitality Management - Commercial Cookery (or agreed equivalent).
• Minimum of 1 year of work experience as a Chef in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and cooking a variety of American-style dishes in a busy restaurant environment.
• Sound knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods and kitchen operations.
• Ability to assist with menu planning, food costing and stock management.
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and safe food-handling practices.
• Reliable, professional and passionate about producing high‑quality food.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to supervise, train and motivate kitchen staff.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Available to work across weekdays, weeknights and weekends.
• You must have unrestricted working rights to work full time in Australia to be eligible for consideration.

WHAT IS ON OFFER:

• A competitive salary of $78,000 to $85,000 plus superannuation per annum.
• An opportunity to work across a varied menu specialising in American style cuisine.
• A supportive team environment where your culinary and leadership skills are valued.

Pay: $78,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee mentoring program
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Please note, you must have full Australian working rights to be eligible for consideration. If you are not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident, please state which visa you hold that entitles you to permanent, full‑time working rights within Australia.

Education:

• Diploma (Preferred)

Experience:

• Chef: 1 year (Required)

Work Authorisation:

• Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person