Head Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Discounts

Flexible rostering

Job summary

The Rathdowne in Carlton North is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen from day one. Work closely with owners to establish the kitchen, train the team and bring our pub menu with Mediterranean influence to life.

You will oversee day-to-day operations, manage stock, costs and staffing, and deliver high-quality food across lunch and dinner services in a warm, neighbourhood venue.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in pub or bistro.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, ordering, stock control and recipe costing.
• Experience leading, developing and motivating a kitchen team.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required.

Responsibilities

• Working with the owners and the Chef Consultant to ensure the kitchen operates as an integral part of the wider venue
• Developing seasonal menus and daily specials
• Recruiting, training and supporting the kitchen team
• Delivering consistently high-quality food across lunch and dinner service
• Managing stock, ordering, food costs and kitchen labour and meeting KPIs
• Maintaining food safety and workplace safety standards
• Setting up efficient kitchen systems and procedures
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen operations

Menu development

Stock control

Recipe costing

Food safety

Staff training

KPI management

Education

Trade qualifications and food safety certificates

Job description

Help us open the doors to Carlton North’s newest local.

The Rathdowne is a new boutique pub opening soon in Carlton North. Owned and run by a local couple, we’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen.

We're continuing a family tradition of running pubs and creating a cosy neighbourhood local. A place for quality food, great drinks and warm hospitality. Our menu will focus on pub classics with a Mediterranean influence.

We’re looking for a motivated leader to manage day-to-day kitchen operations, shape and develop our food offering, and build a kitchen team that delivers a consistently high standard.

About the role

As Head Chef, you will work closely with the owners and a Chef Consultant to establish the kitchen, train the team and bring the food offering to life. You’ll oversee the day-to-day operations and help create a positive and supportive workplace with a focus on quality food.

Key responsibilities

• Working with the owners and the Chef Consultant to ensure the kitchen operates as an integral part of the wider venue
• Developing seasonal menus and daily specials
• Recruiting, training and supporting the kitchen team
• Delivering consistently high-quality food across lunch and dinner service
• Managing stock, ordering, food costs and kitchen labour and meeting KPIs
• Maintaining food safety and workplace safety standards
• Setting up efficient kitchen systems and procedures
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers

About you

• Experience as a Head Chef / Senior Sous Chef in a pub, bistro or similar venue
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, ordering, stock control and recipe costing
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work closely with the owners and Chef Consultant
• Experience leading, developing and motivating a kitchen team
• A commitment to quality, consistency and food safety
• Relevant trade qualifications and food safety certificates
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required
• Opportunity to lead the kitchen at a brand-new venue from day one
• Work alongside a supportive and experienced management team
• A positive workplace where your ideas and experience will make a real difference
• Staff meals and discounts
• Flexible rostering