Head Chef

Heritage & Co Hotel Group; Kilmore; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Staff meals

Hospitality discounts

Supportive team environment

Flexible rostering

Job summary

Heritage & Co Hotel Group in Kilmore, VIC, seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead our busy kitchen and elevate our dining offerings. This full-time role places you at the heart of our hospitality, shaping menus and maintaining high culinary standards.

You will plan seasonal menus, manage all kitchen operations, mentor staff, control food costs, and ensure rigorous hygiene and safety compliance. The position offers a creative leadership role with opportunities to influence events and private

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of professional cooking experience, with 2–3 years in a head chef or senior chef role.
• Proven culinary expertise across various methods and cuisines.
• Current understanding of Australian health and safety food standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and execute innovative menus reflecting seasonal produce and trends while upholding Heritage & Co Hotel Group standards.
• Lead kitchen operations from food prep to plating to ensure quality benchmarks.
• Mentor and supervise kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative, professional environment.
• Maintain strict health, safety and hygiene standards and regulatory compliance.
• Control food costs, manage inventory and supplier orders while upholding quality.
• Coordinate with front-of-house for seamless service and guest satisfaction.
• Implement kitchen systems and best practices to optimise efficiency.
• Monitor waste and drive sustainability initiatives in the kitchen.
• Contribute to special menus for events and seasonal promotions.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and adherence to maintenance schedules.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety knowledge

Food costing & budgeting

Staff training & mentoring

Communication

Time management

Education

Food Safety Supervisor certification

Job description

Heritage & Co Hotel Group is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary operations at our Kilmore, VIC location. This is a full-time position that offers the opportunity to showcase your expertise and creativity whilst managing a dynamic kitchen team. As Head Chef, you will be at the heart of our hospitality offering, responsible for delivering exceptional dining experiences that reflect our commitment to quality and innovation. This role is pivotal in maintaining our culinary standards and driving the gastronomic vision of the hotel.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, develop and execute innovative menus that reflect seasonal produce and culinary trends whilst maintaining consistency with Heritage & Co Hotel Group's standards
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation to ensure dishes meet our quality benchmarks
• Lead, train, mentor and supervise kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and professional working environment
• Maintain strict adherence to health, safety and food hygiene standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations
• Control food costs, manage inventory and order supplies efficiently whilst maintaining quality standards
• Coordinate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery and guest satisfaction
• Implement and maintain kitchen systems, procedures and best practices to optimise efficiency and productivity
• Monitor food wastage and implement sustainability initiatives within the kitchen
• Contribute to the development of special menus for events, functions and seasonal promotions
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure proper maintenance schedules are adhered to

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5+ years' professional cooking experience, with at least 2-3 years in a head chef or senior chef de partie role
• Proven culinary expertise with the ability to demonstrate strong technical skills across a range of cooking methods and cuisines
• Food Safety Supervisor certification or equivalent qualification (or willingness to obtain)
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop kitchen teams
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities, particularly during high-volume service periods
• Sound knowledge of food costing, budgeting and inventory management
• Passionate about quality, presentation and culinary innovation
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with all departments
• Current understanding of Australian health and safety food standards
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays as required by hospitality operations

What we offer

Heritage & Co Hotel Group is committed to supporting our culinary team with a workplace culture that values excellence, creativity and professional development. We offer competitive remuneration packages commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additional benefits include:

• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and culinary training
• Staff meals and hospitality discounts
• A supportive team environment that encourages culinary innovation
• Flexible rostering arrangements where possible to support work-life balance

About us

Heritage & Co Hotel Group is a respected hospitality business dedicated to delivering memorable guest experiences through exceptional service, outstanding dining. With a focus on celebrating local heritage and culinary excellence, we are committed to creating warm, welcoming spaces where guests feel valued. Our team is passionate about hospitality and takes pride in every aspect of the guest journey. We believe that great food, delivered with care and professionalism, is central to creating lasting impressions and building loyal guests within our community.