Head Chef

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

Innovation & Creativity

Job summary

Lucas Collective is expanding and looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead a growing brigade across multiple venues. You will deliver exceptional food and service while maintaining operational standards in a high-volume kitchen in Melbourne.

The role requires proven leadership, budget awareness, and a passion for global cuisine trends. Italian or Mediterranean experience is advantageous and career progression is available within the group.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef experience in high-volume kitchen.
• Experience with Italian or Mediterranean cuisine preferred.
• Proven leadership and ability to develop a brigade.
• Ability to manage staff performance and budgets.
• Knowledge of food safety and OH&S documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations and staff.
• Ensure high standards of food and service.
• Oversee rostering, ordering, and cost controls.
• Monitor OH&S and maintain safety procedures.

Skills

Head Chef

Leadership

Team management

Budget management

Food safety

Rostering

OH&S

Staff training

Education

Qualification in Commercial Cookery

Job description

• 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.