Head Chef

Loop 23; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Flexible rostering

Career growth opportunities

Staff meals

Job summary

Loop Roof in Melbourne CBD is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary operations, shape menus and mentor a dedicated team. This full-time role owns the kitchen, upholds top-tier food safety standards, and drives consistency in presentation and quality for memorable guest experiences.

You will manage budgets, source ingredients, and collaborate on pricing and events while fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment. Competitive salary offered commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of professional kitchen experience, including 2-3 years in a Head Chef or senior chef role
• Comprehensive knowledge of food preparation, cooking methods and culinary techniques across multiple cuisines
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations and HACCP principles
• Proven leadership and team management experience with the ability to inspire and develop staff
• Excellent organisational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities during service
• Creative flair and passion for menu development and food presentation
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with front-of-house and management teams
• Experience with inventory management, budgeting and cost control
• Culinary qualification or formal training in hospitality is advantageous
• Current food handler's certificate or willingness to obtain one

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment
• Plan, develop and execute menus that reflect our culinary vision and seasonal availability of ingredients
• Oversee all food preparation, cooking techniques and plating to ensure consistently high quality dishes
• Maintain rigorous food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards in compliance with all relevant regulations
• Manage kitchen budgets, control food costs and minimise waste whilst maintaining quality standards
• Source and evaluate suppliers to ensure the best quality ingredients at competitive prices
• Train and develop kitchen staff in cooking techniques, food safety protocols and service standards
• Manage kitchen inventory, equipment maintenance and stock rotation
• Collaborate with management on menu pricing, promotions and special events
• Ensure kitchen operations run smoothly during service, managing workflow and resolving issues promptly

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Food safety HACCP

Budgeting & cost control

Staff development

Communication

Inventory management

Education

Culinary qualification

Hospitality training

Job description

Loop Roof is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary operations and drive excellence in food preparation and presentation. This is a full-time position based in the Melbourne CBD, where you will take ownership of our kitchen, mentor your team, and establish standards that define our dining experience. As Head Chef, you will be instrumental in shaping our menus, ensuring consistency in quality, and creating memorable culinary experiences for our guests.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, manage and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment
• Plan, develop and execute menus that reflect our culinary vision and seasonal availability of ingredients
• Oversee all food preparation, cooking techniques and plating to ensure consistently high quality dishes
• Maintain rigorous food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards in compliance with all relevant regulations
• Manage kitchen budgets, control food costs and minimise waste whilst maintaining quality standards
• Source and evaluate suppliers to ensure the best quality ingredients at competitive prices
• Train and develop kitchen staff in cooking techniques, food safety protocols and service standards
• Manage kitchen inventory, equipment maintenance and stock rotation
• Collaborate with management on menu pricing, promotions and special events
• Ensure kitchen operations run smoothly during service, managing workflow and resolving issues promptly

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5-7 years' professional kitchen experience, with at least 2-3 years in a Head Chef or senior chef role
• Comprehensive knowledge of food preparation, cooking methods and culinary techniques across multiple cuisines
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations and HACCP principles
• Proven leadership and team management experience with the ability to inspire and develop staff
• Excellent organisational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities during service
• Creative flair and passion for menu development and food presentation
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with front-of-house and management teams
• Experience with inventory management, budgeting and cost control
• Culinary qualification or formal training in hospitality is advantageous
• Current food handler's certificate or willingness to obtain one

About Loop Roof

Loop Roof is an award winning rooftop cocktail bar. We offer superb cuisine and exotic beverages from dizzying heights. When you are on the Meyers Place pavements and see our birdie flapping its neon wings high up on our vertical garden wall above, you'll know you are nearly there. Our eye-catching vertical garden project climbs up majestically from street level at Meyers Place, feeding into the Loop garden oasis rooftop spaces situated three levels above.

What we offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Opportunity to lead a small culinary team and shape our food offerings
• A collaborative and supportive work environment where your expertise is valued
• Flexible rostering arrangements where possible to support work-life balance
• Staff benefits including discounts on food and drinks
• The chance to work with high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking practices
• $90,000 - $95,000 per year depending on experience