head chef

Murphy's Geelong; Australia; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Professional development

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

Murphy's Geelong is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team in Geelong, VIC. You will oversee all kitchen operations, drive menu development, and ensure consistent, high-quality food across our offerings.

This full-time role emphasizes staff training, cost control, supplier relations, and adherence to food safety standards. You will mentor cooks, plan seasonal menus, and work closely with front-of-house to deliver an exceptional dining experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years' experience as Head Chef or Senior Chef.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food preparation techniques and contemporary cooking methods.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergen management and hygiene standards.
• Ability to plan and develop menus reflecting seasonal ingredients.
• Experience with cost control and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and manage kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culinary team
• Plan, develop and execute menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, culinary trends and our establishment's standards
• Oversee food preparation, cooking and plating to ensure consistency, quality and presentation across all dishes
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and health regulations, conducting regular staff training on these protocols
• Monitor food costs and portion control to optimise profitability whilst maintaining quality standards
• Source and select quality ingredients from suppliers, negotiating pricing and maintaining strong vendor relationships
• Conduct regular kitchen inspections and maintain organised, clean and efficient kitchen facilities
• Liaise with front-of-house staff to ensure service runs smoothly and respond to any customer feedback regarding food quality
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering and stock rotation to minimise waste
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of kitchen processes and operational efficiency

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food safety

Staff training

Kitchen management

Quality control

Communication

Education

Diploma in Professional Cooking

Job description

Murphy's Geelong is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team and drive the quality and consistency of our food offerings. This is a full-time position based in Geelong, VIC 3220. As Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, menu development, food preparation and the training and management of our kitchen staff. This role is pivotal to maintaining Murphy's Geelong's reputation for excellence and ensuring every guest has an outstanding dining experience.

Key responsibilities

Lead, mentor and manage kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culinary team

Plan, develop and execute menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, culinary trends and our establishment's standards

Oversee food preparation, cooking and plating to ensure consistency, quality and presentation across all dishes

Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and health regulations, conducting regular staff training on these protocols

Monitor food costs and portion control to optimise profitability whilst maintaining quality standards

Source and select quality ingredients from suppliers, negotiating pricing and maintaining strong vendor relationships

Conduct regular kitchen inspections and maintain organised, clean and efficient kitchen facilities

Liaise with front-of-house staff to ensure service runs smoothly and respond to any customer feedback regarding food quality

Manage kitchen inventory, ordering and stock rotation to minimise waste

Contribute to the continuous improvement of kitchen processes and operational efficiency

What we're looking for

Minimum 5+ years' experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a busy hospitality environment

Comprehensive knowledge of food preparation techniques, culinary principles and contemporary cooking methods

Proven expertise in menu planning and development with the ability to create diverse and appealing dishes

Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, allergen management and health and hygiene standards

Excellent leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff

Outstanding organisational and time management abilities in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with all departments

Relevant culinary qualifications or certifications (such as a diploma in professional cooking or equivalent)

Cost control and inventory management experience

Passion for food quality, presentation and continuous improvement

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required by the hospitality industry

What we offer

At Murphy's Geelong, we are committed to supporting and developing our team members. We offer competitive remuneration, ongoing professional development opportunities and the chance to work in a dynamic and creative culinary environment. We pride ourselves on fostering a positive workplace culture where innovation and excellence are encouraged and rewarded. We also provide staff discounts and benefits, and we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where all team members can thrive.

About us

Murphy's Geelong is a respected hospitality establishment in the heart of Geelong, dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests. We are committed to quality, creativity and outstanding customer service. Our team is passionate about food and hospitality, and we pride ourselves on creating memorable moments for every guest who walks through our doors. We believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive workplace culture where our staff can grow and excel in their careers.