Head chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Hospitality benefits

Career development

Job summary

The Boathouse in Moonee Ponds is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and craft a compelling culinary direction. You will oversee all food preparation, design menus, manage a talented brigade, uphold HACCP standards, and ensure exceptional service across services.

This full-time role rewards strong leadership, creativity, and budget-savvy operations, with opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant hospitality setting that values quality ingredients and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume restaurant
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary cooking techniques and trends
• Strong leadership and ability to inspire and develop staff
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Sound knowledge of food safety, health and safety regulations (HACCP)
• Experience with cost control and inventory management
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade to foster high performance
• Design innovative menus reflecting current trends and The Boathouse identity
• Oversee all food preparation, cooking and presentation for consistency and excellence
• Maintain rigorous food safety, hygiene and HACCP compliance
• Manage kitchen budgets, control food costs and minimise waste
• Conduct quality control checks on all dishes before serving
• Source premium ingredients and build supplier relationships
• Train and develop kitchen staff and support career progression
• Collaborate with front-of-house management to ensure seamless service
• Respond to feedback and continuously improve culinary offerings

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Time management

Culinary expertise

Menu design

Education

Culinary qualifications or equivalent

Job description

The Boathouse is a premier dining establishment dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary experiences and memorable hospitality. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, innovation, and creating warm, welcoming environments where guests can enjoy outstanding food and service. Our team is passionate about gastronomy and dedicated to maintaining the highest standards across all aspects of our operation.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations at The Boathouse, located in Moonee Ponds. This is a full-time position that offers a unique opportunity to take creative control of our culinary direction whilst managing a dynamic kitchen team. As Head Chef, you will be instrumental in shaping our menu, maintaining our reputation for excellence, and ensuring every dish meets our exacting standards. This role is pivotal to our success and offers the chance to make a significant impact on our business and guest satisfaction.

Key responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture

Develop and design innovative menus that reflect current food trends whilst maintaining The Boathouse's signature culinary identity

Oversee all food preparation, cooking, and presentation to ensure consistency and excellence across all services

Maintain rigorous standards of food safety, hygiene, and health and safety compliance

Manage kitchen budgets, control food costs, and minimise waste whilst optimising profitability

Conduct regular quality control checks on all dishes before they leave the kitchen

Source and select premium ingredients, building relationships with trusted suppliers

Train and develop kitchen staff, fostering skill development and career progression

Collaborate with front-of-house management to ensure seamless service delivery

Respond creatively to feedback and continuously improve our culinary offerings

What we're looking for

Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume, quality-focused restaurant environment

Extensive knowledge of contemporary cooking techniques and food trends

Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and develop kitchen staff

Exceptional culinary creativity and the ability to develop compelling, marketable menus

Excellent organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple services simultaneously

Sound knowledge of food safety, health and safety regulations, and HACCP principles

Strong cost control and inventory management experience

Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining high standards and attention to detail

Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with all team members

Relevant culinary qualifications or equivalent professional experience

Preferred: Experience in hospitality venues, experience with seasonal menus, or background in fine dining establishments

What we offer

We offer a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience, including a salary that reflects your expertise and contribution. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing and career development of our team members. The benefits of joining The Boathouse include opportunities for professional growth within a supportive and creative environment, the chance to work with quality ingredients and lead a talented kitchen team, staff meals and hospitality benefits, and a role that celebrates your culinary passion and expertise. We foster a collaborative workplace culture where your ideas are valued and your contributions are recognised. We also welcome discussions about any adjustments or additional support you may require to succeed in this role.