Head Chef

Only Hospitality Group; Melbourne; Presencial; AUD 100.000 - 130.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Venues by Only, a growing hospitality group across Melbourne, seeks a Head Chef to lead culinary operations across multiple venues. You will maintain food quality, develop innovative menus, manage kitchen performance, and drive profitability through cost control and team development.

This senior role requires travel between venues and a hands-on leadership style during evenings and weekends. Join a collaborative team focused on excellence, creativity, and outstanding guest experiences across the

Formación

• Proven experience in executive/head chef roles over multiple venues.
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Extensive knowledge of menu development and kitchen systems.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee culinary operations across group venues with consistent quality.
• Develop and refine menus reflecting brand and trends.
• Standardise recipes and kitchen practices across venues.
• Lead, mentor and support kitchen teams; drive high performance.
• Monitor costs, stock, and wastage to maximise profitability.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and WHS standards.
• Conduct venue visits and performance reviews for improvements.
• Collaborate on menu strategy and business development.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Kitchen ops

Food safety

Staff development

Travel availability

Evening shifts

Descripción del empleo

Company Name: Venues by Only
Location: All across Melbourne
Position Type: Full-Time

Job Opportunity: Head Chef

About Us

Venues by Only is a growing hospitality group dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences across our venues. We pride ourselves on quality, creativity, consistency, and outstanding service. Our commitment to excellence drives us to create memorable experiences for our guests while fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and innovative Head Chef to lead and oversee culinary operations across all current and upcoming Venues by Only venues.

This senior leadership role is responsible for maintaining consistent food quality and presentation, developing innovative menus, managing kitchen performance, and supporting the growth and success of our venues. Working closely with venue management and kitchen teams, the Head Chef will establish and uphold high culinary standards while driving operational efficiency, team development, and profitability across the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage culinary operations across all group venues, ensuring consistency in food quality, presentation, and service standards.

• Develop, implement, and refine menus that reflect the group's brand, meet customer expectations, and respond to industry trends.

• Establish and maintain standardised recipes, food preparation procedures, and kitchen operating practices across all venues.

• Lead, mentor, and develop Head Chefs and kitchen teams, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing culture.

• Monitor food costs, labour costs, stock levels, and wastage to maximise efficiency and profitability.

• Ensure all kitchens comply with relevant food safety, workplace health and safety, and hygiene regulations.

• Conduct regular venue visits and performance reviews to maintain operational standards and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Collaborate with senior management and venue leaders on menu strategy, business development, and customer satisfaction.

• Support recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning for kitchen teams across the group.

• Research emerging food trends, cooking techniques, and ingredients to drive innovation and maintain a competitive offering.

• Manage supplier relationships and procurement processes to ensure quality, consistency, and value across all locations.

• Assist with the opening of new venues, menu launches, and the implementation of group-wide culinary initiatives as required.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, or Head Chef overseeing multiple venues or large-scale kitchen operations.

• Strong leadership experience, with the ability to manage, motivate, and develop multiple kitchen teams.

• Extensive knowledge of menu development, food preparation, kitchen systems, and contemporary culinary trends.

• Demonstrated ability to manage food costs, labour budgets, stock control, and kitchen profitability.

• Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• A hands-on leadership approach with a commitment to quality, consistency, and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge of food safety standards, hygiene requirements, and workplace health and safety practices.

• Ability to travel between venues as required.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays when operationally necessary.