Head Chef

Citrine Bistro & Bar Olinda; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Kitchen leadership opportunity

Job summary

Citrine Bistro & Bar Olinda in Olinda, VIC is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen, drive menu development, and uphold the highest food standards. You will inspire the team, manage food quality, and ensure exceptional guest experiences.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, requiring a passion for seasonal ingredients, strong HACCP knowledge, and a collaborative approach with front-of-house to maintain our renowned dining experience in Victoria’s scenic

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of professional culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a head chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Formal culinary qualifications or apprenticeship in professional cooking.
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and cuisines, with the ability to innovate and create contemporary dishes.
• Proven experience in menu planning and food cost management.
• Current knowledge of food safety standards, health codes, and allergen management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop kitchen staff.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities under pressure during service.
• Exceptional communication skills with both kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to consistency and quality.

Responsibilities

• Leading, training, and managing the kitchen team to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and adherence to food safety standards
• Developing and refining menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, and the restaurant's distinctive identity
• Planning and controlling food costs, managing stock levels, and maintaining relationships with suppliers to secure quality ingredients
• Preparing and cooking dishes to the highest standard, setting an example for the kitchen team through hands-on involvement during service
• Ensuring all dishes meet health and safety regulations, including food hygiene and allergen management
• Creating an organised and efficient kitchen workflow, optimising station setup and mise en place procedures
• Collaborating with front-of-house staff and management to deliver an exceptional dining experience
• Maintaining detailed records of recipes, portion controls, and food costs
• Staying current with culinary techniques, ingredients, and industry best practices

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu planning

Food cost management

Food safety & HACCP

Team leadership

Effective communication

Time management

Culinary techniques

Creativity & innovation

Education

Formal culinary qualifications or apprenticeship

Job description

Citrine Bistro & Bar Olinda is seeking an experienced and creative Head Chef to lead our culinary operations. This is a full-time position based in Olinda VIC 3788, where you will take strategic responsibility for our kitchen, menu development, and food quality standards. As Head Chef, you will be the creative driving force behind our dining experience, overseeing all aspects of food preparation, presentation, and service whilst maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety. This is a pivotal role that directly impacts our reputation and guest satisfaction.

Key responsibilities

• Leading, training, and managing the kitchen team to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and adherence to food safety standards
• Developing and refining menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, and the restaurant's distinctive identity
• Planning and controlling food costs, managing stock levels, and maintaining relationships with suppliers to secure quality ingredients
• Preparing and cooking dishes to the highest standard, setting an example for the kitchen team through hands-on involvement during service
• Ensuring all dishes meet health and safety regulations, including food hygiene and allergen management
• Creating an organised and efficient kitchen workflow, optimising station setup and mise en place procedures
• Collaborating with front-of-house staff and management to deliver an exceptional dining experience
• Maintaining detailed records of recipes, portion controls, and food costs
• Staying current with culinary techniques, ingredients, and industry best practices

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5+ years of professional culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a head chef or senior kitchen leadership role
• Formal culinary qualifications or apprenticeship in professional cooking
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and cuisines, with the ability to innovate and create contemporary dishes
• Proven experience in menu planning and food cost management
• Current knowledge of food safety standards, health codes, and allergen management
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop kitchen staff
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities under pressure during service
• Exceptional communication skills with both kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Attention to detail and a commitment to consistency and quality
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced hospitality environment

About us

Citrine Bistro & Bar Olinda is a welcoming restaurant set in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, offering guests an exceptional dining experience through carefully crafted cuisine and warm hospitality. We are passionate about creating memorable moments for our guests through quality food, attentive service, and a vibrant atmosphere. Our commitment to excellence, local sourcing, and culinary innovation defines our brand and attracts discerning diners seeking authentic, contemporary dining in a charming location.

What we offer

We offer a competitive salary package commensurate with experience. As a member of our team, you will work in a dynamic, creative environment where your culinary expertise is valued and celebrated. We provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to showcase your culinary skills whilst leading a talented kitchen team. We foster a collaborative culture where teamwork, innovation, and passion for food are paramount. Working at Citrine Bistro & Bar Olinda means being part of a close-knit hospitality community in one of Victoria's most beautiful regions.