Group Head Chef: Creative Menu Lead for Melbourne Venues

Dame; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Peer Group Hospitality is seeking a Group Head Chef to lead Dame Melbourne, EARL Canteen and EARL Catering, guiding menu direction, consistency and commercial performance. This senior, hands-on role spans Collins Place and HQ collaboration, delivering exceptional food experiences across a growing group.

The successful candidate will manage menu development, kitchen leadership, and cost controls while mentoring teams and maintaining high safety standards across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Head Chef or senior kitchen leader.
• Proven ability to develop menus that are creative and commercially strong.
• Strong track record in costings, margins and supplier management.
• Skilled at mentoring, training and developing kitchen teams.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and restaurant operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide creative direction for Dame Melbourne and EARL menus and events.
• Develop quarterly, seasonal menus aligned with corporate clients.
• Drive labour, COGS and food safety benchmarks across venues.
• Mentor and develop kitchen teams across multiple sites.
• Manage supplier relationships and balance quality with cost targets.
• Lead six-monthly seasonal evolution in EARL range and offerings.
• Review sales trends with the EARL GM to identify opportunities.
• Create concepts for corporate catering and events to scale the business.

Skills

Head Chef leadership

Menu development

Costings & food costs

Team mentoring

Food safety

Job description

Peer Group Hospitality is seeking a Group Head Chef to lead Dame Melbourne, EARL Canteen and EARL Catering, guiding menu direction, consistency and commercial performance. This senior, hands-on role spans Collins Place and HQ collaboration, delivering exceptional food experiences across a growing group.

The successful candidate will manage menu development, kitchen leadership, and cost controls while mentoring teams and maintaining high safety standards across multiple locations.