Events Head Chef

Lancemore Group; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park in Melbourne's heritage setting is seeking an experienced full-time Events Head Chef to lead the kitchen behind weddings, conferences and events. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will drive day-to-day operations, develop the brigade, design seasonal menus and manage high-volume production with a focus on quality, consistency and guest satisfaction.

This role requires strong leadership, food costing, rostering and compliance with food safety standards,

Qualifications

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
• Proven Head Chef or senior sous chef experience in hotels or large events.
• Experience delivering large-scale weddings, conferences and banquets.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Food cost control, budgeting, rostering and stock management.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification or willingness to obtain.
• Excellent organisation and communication under pressure.
• Current Australian working rights.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations for weddings, conferences, day delegate packages and private events.
• Design seasonal event, wedding and conference menus with the Executive Chef.
• Plan and run high-volume production from prep to service.
• Coordinate with events and front-of-house on function sheets, guest numbers, timings and dietary requirements.
• Manage kitchen ordering, sourcing quality produce at the right price.
• Drive food cost control through recipe costing, portion control and wastage management.
• Manage rosters and labour costs aligned with event volumes.
• Lead and develop the kitchen brigade, including casual and agency staff.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen management and WHS.
• Step in for the Executive Chef when needed and participate in planning meetings.
• Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.

Skills

Leadership

Menu design

Food cost management

Staff training

High-volume event cooking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Lead Weddings, Conferences and Events at Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park

We are seeking an experienced full-time Events Head Chef to lead the kitchen behind weddings, conferences and events at Lancemore Mansion Hotel, one of Melbourne's most distinctive heritage settings.

Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will drive the day-to-day running of the events kitchen, lead and develop the brigade, and deliver seasonal, produce-driven menus at scale within the Lancemore Hotel Group.

About the Role

Working closely with the Executive Chef, you will take responsibility for all event and banquet production across the hotel, ensuring every plate, from a conference lunch to a full wedding reception, meets the standards our guests expect.

You will:

• Lead daily kitchen operations for weddings, conferences, day delegate packages and private events
• Work together with the Executive Chef to design and develop seasonal event, wedding and conference menus
• Plan and run high-volume production, from prep schedules and run sheets to plating and pass on the day
• Liaise with the events and front-of-house teams on function sheets, guest numbers, timings and dietary requirements
• Take ownership of all events kitchen ordering, working with suppliers to secure quality produce at the right price
• Drive food cost control through recipe costing, portion control, stock takes and wastage management to meet food cost targets
• Manage kitchen rosters and labour costs in line with wage targets and fluctuating event volumes
• Lead, train and develop the kitchen brigade, including casual and agency staff, building a strong and stable team
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, allergen management and WHS requirements
• Step up in the absence of the Executive Chef and represent the kitchen at operational and event planning meetings
• Foster a positive, professional and collaborative kitchen culture

About You

You will bring:

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent
• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Banquet Chef or senior Sous Chef in a hotel, function centre or high-volume events environment
• Experience delivering large-scale wedding, conference and banquet service without compromising on quality
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing and retaining kitchen teams
• Proven experience in ordering, stock control and food cost management, with a solid understanding of rostering and kitchen financials
• A passion for seasonal produce and a strong creative and technical foundation
• Food Safety Supervisor certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• Flexibility to work across weekdays, weekends and public holidays as required
• Current Australian working rights

Why Join Lancemore?

You will play a key leadership role within a premium heritage hotel, own the events kitchen, have genuine input into wedding and conference menus, and work alongside an Executive Chef committed to your ongoing growth and development within the Lancemore Hotel Group.

If you are an experienced chef ready to lead a talented team, we would love to hear from you.