Head Chef

Trofeo Estate Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Trofeo Estate Pty Ltd in Dromana, Victoria, seeks an experienced Head Chef with an Italian/Mediterranean bent to lead the culinary team. This full-time role oversees all aspects of food preparation, menu development, and kitchen operations, maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and presentation.

You will mentor staff, design seasonal menus, plan events and weddings, manage costs and supplier relations, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations while delivering memorable

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef, Senior Chef or Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant or hospitality setting.
• Strong knowledge of Italian/Mediterranean cuisine.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop kitchen teams.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance.
• Creative menu design and adaptability to seasonal ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the kitchen team to deliver high-quality dishes and guest experiences.
• Develop menus reflecting seasonal ingredients and culinary trends.
• Plan weddings, corporate functions, and special events.
• Coordinate kitchen operations for weddings and large group bookings.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking techniques, and plating standards.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships to optimise costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Train and develop kitchen staff, fostering a positive team environment.
• Control food costs and manage budgets while maintaining quality.
• Uphold the restaurant's reputation through culinary excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Menu design

Food safety

Cost control

Team management

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef with an Italian/Mediterranean bent to lead our culinary team at Trofeo Estate, located in the picturesque region of Dromana, Victoria. This is a full-time position where you will oversee all aspects of food preparation, menu development, and kitchen operations. As Head Chef, you will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and presentation whilst creating memorable dining experiences for our guests. This is a strategic leadership role that plays a crucial part in defining the culinary excellence and reputation of our establishment.

Key responsibilities

Lead, manage, and mentor the kitchen team to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality dishes and exceptional customer experiences

Develop, design, and continuously innovate menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, complement our wines and guest preferences

Work closely with the Events Manager to plan and deliver weddings, corporate functions, and special events.

Develop event and function menus that align with client expectations, venue standards, and budget requirements.

Coordinate kitchen operations to ensure the successful execution of weddings, events, and large group bookings.

Oversee food preparation, cooking techniques, and plating standards to maintain consistency across all dishes

Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships to optimise costs without compromising quality

Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations at all times

Monitor kitchen performance, staff productivity, and adherence to established protocols and procedures

Collaborate with management to plan special events, seasonal menus, and promotional dining experiences

Train and develop kitchen staff, providing constructive feedback and fostering a positive team environment

Control food costs and manage budgets whilst maintaining quality standards

Maintain and uphold the restaurant's reputation through consistent culinary excellence and attention to detail

What we're looking for

Proven experience as a Head Chef, Senior Chef or Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant or hospitality establishment

Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and culinary best practices across multiple cuisines

Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop kitchen teams in a fast-paced environment

Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene standards, and compliance with relevant regulations

Creative flair with the ability to design innovative menus and adapt to seasonal availability

Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to multitask effectively

Proficiency in kitchen management systems and cost control procedures

Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards consistently

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with team members and management

Relevant culinary qualifications or certifications are highly desirable

A passion for hospitality and creating exceptional dining experiences

What we offer

At Trofeo Estate, we are committed to creating a supportive and rewarding workplace for our team members. We offer competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional development and career progression, and a collaborative working environment where your culinary expertise is valued and recognised. We believe in fostering a positive workplace culture that encourages creativity, teamwork, and excellence. Our location in the beautiful Dromana region provides a wonderful setting to work whilst being part of a thriving hospitality community.

About us

Trofeo Estate is a distinguished hospitality establishment located in Dromana, Victoria, dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences to our guests. We are committed to culinary excellence, warm hospitality, and creating memorable moments for all who visit us. Our team is passionate about delivering outstanding service and innovative cuisine, and we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards across all aspects of our operations. We value professionalism, creativity, and a genuine passion for hospitality.