Head Chef

Baptcare; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Professional development

Counselling support

Job summary

Baptcare The Orchards Community – Doncaster East, VIC is seeking a Head Chef to lead catering production across the residence, including ordering, food preparation and back‑of‑house management. Responsibilities include managing COGs, menu costings and accountability for P&Ls.

The role requires a post-secondary qualification in catering or cooking, plus a Certificate III in Catering/Hospitality, with prior residential aged care catering experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary qualification in catering, cooking or similar.
• Certificate III in Catering/Hospitality.
• Experience in residential aged care catering is desirable.
• Knowledge of food safety plan and HACCP compliance.

Responsibilities

• Plan and involve residents in planning menus to offer variety, nutrition and options meeting service standards.
• Conduct a food focus group in liaison with Lifestyle to gather resident input on menus.
• Order catering supplies.
• Ensure supplies are ordered within budget parameters.
• Maintain written details of residents' food preferences and dietary restrictions and ensure meals reflect them.
• Record Petty Cash in accordance with the facility policy.
• Cater for external functions as required.

Skills

Catering leadership

Team management

Menu planning

Food safety HACCP

Budgeting

Education

Post-secondary qualification in catering or cooking

Certificate III in Catering/Hospitality

Job description

Residential Aged Care – Full Time Position

Baptcare The Orchards Community – Doncaster East, VIC

• Opportunity to work in your local community in a friendly and supportive team.
• Employ your passion for hospitality and leadership to make a difference to the lives of our residents.
• Enjoy the benefits of salary packaging with up to $18,550 pa tax free!

About us

We are proud to be part of the merged care organisation that will be known nationally as BaptistCare. As a for purpose, Christian care organisation, we are committed to providing exceptional support and services across Australia. Together with BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA we employ over 12,000 dedicated employees and support over 38,000 customers to help people live well with dignity and purpose. From older Australians and their families to people facing significant disadvantage, our passion and our priority are the customers we serve. We strive to deliver care as it should be – with people right at the centre.

About The Role

The role of the Head Chef is to ensure the smooth running and delivery of catering production across the residence. This includes all back of house operations: ordering, food preparation & delivery together with the management of cooks and back house teams. Responsibilities include management of the COGs, menu costings and accountability for P&Ls.

Key Accountabilities

• Plan and wherever possible involve residents, in the planning of menus which offer a choice of dishes, variety and balanced nutrition to ensure the food provided meets and exceeds the expectations of the residents and service standards.
• Conduct a food focus group in liaison with Lifestyle to ensure residents have input into menu planning.
• Order catering supplies.
• Ensure supplies are ordered within budget parameters.
• Maintain written details of resident’s food preferences and dietary restrictions, and to prepare meals in accordance with these. The list should be always accessible to kitchen staff to ensure the meals are served appropriately.
• Ensure the recording of Petty Cash complies with the facilities Petty Cash policy
• Cater for external functions as required.

About You:

• Must obtain a post-secondary qualification in catering, cooking or similar.
• Certificate III in Catering/hospitality
• Previous experience working in catering in a residential aged care facility (desirable)
• Experience in Catering for many people in one sitting, offering a choice of attractive, tasty, and nutritious meals.
• Knowledge of food safety plan and HACCP compliance
• Management of staff regarding rostering and conflict resolution

For You

Baptcare is focused on living our values, not just talking about them. You’ll find the culture at Baptcare is one of genuine respect, support, and positive intention. We work hard to achieve results through change, continuous improvement, and ongoing focus on providing the best service delivery to our stakeholders.

Further, the successful candidate will receive:

• A competitive salary, plus access to the tax benefits of salary packaging and novated leasing
• Ongoing professional development and team building opportunities.
• Access to confidential counselling and support services

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

• Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.
• The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Criminal History check.
• A medical assessment will be conducted to see if you are physically capable for the role.

At Baptcare, we value diversity in all forms and aim to co-create inclusive experiences and communities with our employees, volunteers, the people we work alongside and our partners. We are committed to diversity and inclusion across all we do and to building communities and workplaces where everyone belongs.

Baptcare is dedicated to the safety, empowerment, and participation of all children. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to a thoughtful, protective environment that supports infants, children, and young people to feel safe and respected.

Baptcare (VIC, TAS) is proud to be working towards uniting with BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA, to create a newly merged national care organisation committed to providing exceptional support and services across Australia. Together, we are building on a shared history of care and compassion, expanding our reach, and strengthening our mission to help people live well with dignity and purpose.