chef

The Fish House Australian Seafood Co; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fish House Australian Seafood Co in Moorabbin Airport VIC is seeking an experienced Lead Chef to head our kitchen in Melbourne. This full-time role offers strategic direction, menu development, food safety, and excellence in seafood cuisine, demanding strong leadership and a hands-on approach.

You will oversee all cooking operations, mentor staff, manage food costs, source ingredients, and ensure consistent quality and presentation.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in head chef or senior kitchen leadership.
• Extensive seafood knowledge desirable.
• Proven menu development experience.
• Strong leadership and team motivation.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and health codes.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with kitchen management systems.
• Excellent communication with front-of-house and management.
• Current food handling certification.
• Passion for Australian seafood and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Develop and refine menus that showcase Australian seafood whilst maintaining seasonal relevance and culinary innovation.
• Oversee all food preparation, cooking techniques, and plating standards to ensure quality and presentation.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and health regulations.
• Control food costs through stock management, supplier relationships, and waste reduction.
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships to ensure quality ingredients.
• Collaborate with management to establish pricing, food costs, and profitability targets.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and preventative maintenance schedules.
• Create a positive and productive kitchen environment promoting teamwork and culinary excellence.
• Monitor and respond to customer feedback regarding food quality and presentation.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Seafood expertise

Food safety

Cost control

Team management

Communication

Kitchen operations

Vendor relations

Job description

The Fish House Australian Seafood Co – Moorabbin Airport VIC

The Fish House Australian Seafood Co is a premier seafood establishment dedicated to sourcing and serving the finest Australian seafood. We are committed to excellence in culinary craftsmanship, sustainability, and delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests. Our restaurant culture emphasises creativity, quality, and a genuine passion for showcasing the best of Australian maritime produce.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Chef to lead our culinary operations at our Moorabbin Airport location in Victoria. This is a full-time position that offers the opportunity to take strategic charge of our kitchen, setting the culinary direction and standards for the establishment. As Lead Chef, you will oversee all aspects of food preparation, menu development, and kitchen management, whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. This role is critical to our success and requires someone with strong leadership capabilities and a deep passion for seafood cuisine.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management


• Develop and refine menus that showcase Australian seafood whilst maintaining seasonal relevance and culinary innovation


• Oversee all food preparation, cooking techniques, and plating standards to ensure consistent quality and presentation


• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and health regulations across all kitchen operations


• Control food costs through effective stock management, supplier relationships, and waste reduction initiatives


• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships to ensure quality ingredients are consistently available


• Collaborate with management to establish pricing, food costs, and profitability targets


• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure preventative maintenance schedules are adhered to


• Create a positive and productive kitchen environment that promotes teamwork and culinary excellence


• Monitor and respond to customer feedback regarding food quality and presentation

What we're looking for

• Minimum 4+ years of professional culinary experience, with substantial time spent in a head chef or senior kitchen leadership role


• Extensive knowledge of seafood preparation is advantageous but not essential , cookery techniques, and diverse seafood cuisines


• Proven ability to develop innovative menus whilst maintaining consistency and quality standards


• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience motivating and developing kitchen staff


• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, health codes, and kitchen compliance requirements


• Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced kitchen environment


• Proficiency in kitchen management systems and cost control procedures


• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with front-of-house and management teams


• Current food handling certification and relevant culinary qualifications


• Passion for Australian seafood, sustainable sourcing practices, and culinary excellence

What we offer

The Fish House Australian Seafood Co provides a supportive and creative working environment where your culinary expertise is valued and developed. We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with experience, opportunities for professional growth within a respected hospitality business, and the satisfaction of leading a skilled team in a premier seafood establishment. Our team enjoys a collaborative culture that respects craftsmanship and encourages continuous improvement. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.