Head Chef

The Lucas Collective; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth

Travel opportunities

Supportive culture

Competitive benefits

Creativity & innovation

Job summary

Lucas Collective is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a high-energy, high-volume kitchen across our Melbourne venues. You will guide menu direction and uphold the group’s standards, mentoring a brigade to deliver outstanding food and service.

This role offers pathways to senior leadership, cross-venue collaboration, and exposure to iconic brands, with competitive salary, staff meals and strong career growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef in a high-volume kitchen.
• Experience with Italian or Mediterranean cuisine is advantageous.
• Track record of leading teams to deliver outcomes.
• Ability to manage staff performance, including unsatisfactory performance.
• Display exemplary leadership and passion for global cuisine trends.
• Understanding of financial budgets, food and labour costs.
• Experience in managing and maintaining food safety program including documentation.
• Rostering and ordering experience.
• Monitor and supervise OH&S standards and procedure.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Outstanding time management

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food and service.
• Maintain high operational standards across venues.
• Oversee scheduling, ordering and stock control.
• Ensure food safety and OH&S compliance.
• Collaborate with venue leadership on menu and budgets.

Skills

Head Chef

High-volume kitchen

Team leadership

Italian cuisine

Mediterranean cuisine

Budgeting & cost control

Food safety & hygiene

Rostering & ordering

OH&S compliance

Time management

Education

Commercial Cookery qualification

Job description

• Join one of Australia's best restaurant groups
• Competitive salary & generous staff benefits
• Career progression and development opportunities

• Join one of Australia's best restaurant groups
• Competitive salary & generous staff benefits
• Career progression and development opportunities

About Lucas Collective:

Formerly known as Lucas Restaurants, Lucas Collective is brought to you by restaurateur Chris Lucas. Proudly founder-owned and led, our independent hospitality collective is home to some of the country’s most loved and acclaimed restaurant, bar and event brands, including Chin Chin, Maison Batârd, Society, Grill Americano, Kisumé, Yakimono and more.

About the Opportunity:

Lucas Collective is looking for an experienced Head Chef to join our growing hospitality group. With the expansion of new venues and a number of exciting internal moves, this is an opportunity to join a high-performing kitchen team and lead a talented brigade in delivering exceptional food, service and operational standards.

The Head Chef will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and performance of the kitchen, ensuring the team operates efficiently while maintaining the high standards Lucas Collective is known for.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrated experience as either a Head Chef in a high-volume kitchen environment
• Experience with Italian or Mediterranean cuisine is advantageous
• Track record of leading teams that deliver outcomes
• Ability to manage staff performance, including unsatisfactory performance
• Display exemplary leadership and passion for global cuisine trends
• Understanding of financial budgets, food and labour costs
• Experience in managing and maintaining food safety program including documentation
• Rostering and ordering experience
• Monitor and supervise OH&S standards and procedure
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships
• Outstanding time management
• Calm and composed demeanour
• Qualification in Commercial Cookery or equivalent

Why Lucas Collective?

• Career Growth:We champion talent with tailored training programs to help you develop your skills and advance your hospitality career.
• Travel Opportunities:Looking to explore? We have opportunities to transfer to any of our 11 other venues across Melbourne or Sydney.
• Supportive Culture:Join a team that values collaboration, respect, and celebrating success together.
• Competitive Benefits:Enjoy competitive pay, staff meals, tips and discounts across Lucas Collective restaurants.
• Innovation & Creativity:Be part of a team constantly redefining hospitality and embracing fresh ideas.

For more on life at Lucas Collective, visit www.lucascollective.com/careers