Head Chef

Little H Operations Pty Ltd; Bunbury; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Little H Operations Pty Ltd in Naturaliste, WA, seeks a Head Chef to lead our kitchen and drive culinary direction for Meelup Farmhouse. This full-time role requires overseeing menu development, food preparation, and service quality, while mentoring cooks and ensuring cost control and safety standards.

You will manage supplier relationships, maintain high presentation standards, and collaborate with front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional dining experiences for our guests.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary training or equivalent professional experience in professional kitchens.
• 5-7 years cooking experience; 2-3 years in head chef leadership.
• Proven expertise in food preparation, techniques and standards across cuisines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development abilities.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in menu planning, recipe development and cost control.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks during service.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and execute seasonal menus while maintaining brand identity.
• Lead, supervise and mentor kitchen staff.
• Manage food costs, inventory and supplier relations.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene compliance at all times.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and facilities.
• Create and plate dishes to high standards aligned with culinary vision.
• Train staff on cooking techniques, plating standards and safety.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to meet guest requirements.
• Conduct quality checks on all dishes before service.
• Manage kitchen budgets and seek cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Culinary leadership

5-7 years cooking

Head chef leadership

Food safety knowledge

Menu planning

Recipe development

Cost control

Team leadership

Communication

Culinary creativity

POS knowledge

Education

Culinary training

Job description

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join Meelup Farmhouse in Naturaliste, WA. This is a full-time position that offers the opportunity to lead a culinary team and shape the gastronomic direction of our establishment. As Head Chef, you will be at the helm of kitchen operations, driving excellence in food preparation, menu development, and culinary innovation. This role is pivotal to our success, as you will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation whilst fostering a positive and productive kitchen environment.

Key responsibilities

• Planning, developing and executing menus that reflect seasonal produce and culinary trends whilst maintaining consistency with our brand identity
• Leading, supervising and mentoring kitchen staff, including cooks and kitchen assistants, to ensure high performance and professional development
• Managing food costs, inventory and supplier relationships to optimise profitability without compromising quality
• Ensuring strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and health regulations at all times
• Maintaining kitchen equipment and facilities, coordinating maintenance and repairs as required
• Creating and plating dishes to the highest standard, ensuring presentation aligns with our culinary vision
• Training kitchen staff on cooking techniques, plating standards and food safety procedures
• Working collaboratively with front-of-house staff to understand guest requirements and adapt service accordingly
• Conducting quality control checks on all dishes before service
• Managing kitchen budgets and identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiency

What we're looking for

• Formal culinary training or equivalent practical experience in professional kitchen environments
• Minimum 5-7 years of professional cooking experience, with at least 2-3 years in a head chef or senior chef leadership role
• Demonstrated expertise in food preparation, cooking techniques and culinary standards across a range of cuisines
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities with the ability to motivate and develop staff
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards and compliance with relevant regulations
• Proficiency in menu planning, recipe development and cost control
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks during service
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Creativity and passion for culinary innovation and delivering exceptional dining experiences
• Working knowledge of kitchen management systems and point-of-sale technology is advantageous

What we offer

At Little H Operations Pty Ltd, we are committed to creating a supportive and rewarding workplace. We offer competitive remuneration, professional development opportunities to enhance your culinary skills and leadership capabilities, and a collaborative work environment where your passion for food is celebrated. We foster a culture of innovation and excellence, providing you with the opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity and make a meaningful impact on our guests' dining experiences. We also prioritise work-life balance and provide a positive workplace culture where your contributions are valued and recognised.

About us

Little H Operations Pty Ltd is a hospitality business dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary experiences and outstanding service to our guests. Located in the picturesque region of Naturaliste, WA, we are committed to excellence, creativity and maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of our operations. Our mission is to create memorable dining experiences that celebrate quality ingredients, innovative cooking and genuine hospitality. We pride ourselves on our team-oriented culture, where passion for food and service excellence drive everything we do.