Head Chef

Pirate Life Brewing; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wage

Vibrant culture

Work-life balance

Represent Pirate Life at festivals

Job summary

Pirate Life Brewing in Melbourne is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead our South Melbourne kitchen. You will drive day-to-day operations, oversee a high-performing team, and deliver exceptional food in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with open-fire cooking.

The role requires 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience, strong leadership, creativity, and a can-do attitude. We offer competitive wages, a vibrant culture, work/life balance, and opportunities to represent Pirate Life at

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in a professional kitchen.
• Proven leadership and teamwork skills.
• Passion for food and open-fire cooking.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Commitment to quality, consistency and safety.
• Can-do attitude and positivity.

Responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen operations and drive day-to-day running.
• Coach and develop the kitchen team.
• Prepare, cook, and plate high-quality dishes, including fire cooking.
• Manage stock, orders, and supplier relationships.
• Control costs for COGS and labour.
• Ensure consistent delivery of quality dishes.
• Foster a positive, collaborative and safe workplace.

Skills

Strong leadership

Kitchen operations

Teamwork

Open fire cooking

Calm under pressure

Positive attitude

Job description

Who are we?

Pirate Life was founded in 2014. After a five-day journey across the Nullarbor Plain, we landed in Adelaide, established a brewery, and spent the next seven years building a brand. In that time, we’ve gone from three founders to a crew of over one hundred, built four venues across Australia and cemented ourselves as one of the country’s most recognisable craft brands.

Why Work with Us?

At Pirate Life, we’re passionate about crafting human connections. We go beyond creating spaces and beverages – we build memorable experiences and welcome people from all walks of life. To achieve this, we want Pirate Life to be the best place to work in the industry – both in beer and hospitality.

We believe great hospitality doesn’t need to be complicated. At our Market St. Beer Hall, it all comes together: exceptional fresh beer, bold food, quality wine, and a hospitality experience that makes everyone feel welcome. Open, loud, smoky, and full of energy, it’s a true reflection of our passion for vibrant, high-energy dining.

We’re all about investing in our people. From paid training and balanced rosters to personal development and progression, growth, learning, collaboration, and teamwork is what you can expect when you join the crew.

Competitive wage reflective of experience and skill

A company that truly values its people with a vibrant and engaging culture

A hospitality kitchen role where work/life balance is encouraged and achievable

Opportunities to represent Pirate Life at festivals and industry events

The Role:

We’re seeking a talented, driven Head Chef to lead our South Melbourne kitchen. Working closely with the Venue Manager, you’ll be responsible for driving day-to-day operations, leading a high-performing team, and delivering an exceptional food experience. This is a hands‑on leadership role in a fast‑paced, high‑energy environment where open‑fire cooking, creativity, and consistency are at the heart of everything we do.

Responsibilities include:

• Strong leader in managing all kitchen operations
• Providing strong leadership, coaching, and development to the kitchen team
• High-level food preparation, cooking, plating and execution, including working the fire oven
• Managing stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships
• Delivering excellent cost control across both cost of goods and labour
• Ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality dishes
• Championing a positive, collaborative, and safe workplace culture

What You’ve Got:

• 3–5 years’ experience in a professional kitchen
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills with the ability to inspire others
• A genuine passion for food, creativity, and open fire cooking
• Ability to stay calm and think on your feet under pressure
• Commitment to quality, consistency, and workplace safety
• A can-do attitude, drive, and positivity

This is a full-time position, working across a Wednesday to Sunday roster, including nights and public holidays.