Head Chef

The European; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package alignedwith

Great working conditions with truework

Career development opportunities with-

Great discounts on wine from City Wine

Access to underground cheese cave

Job summary

The European, Melbourne's established institution opposite Parliament House, is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen for The European and City Wine Shop. You will shape creative menus and guide a dedicated team.

Starting mid-January 2027, this role offers input into the direction of our food offerings, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth within our premium hospitality group.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in a senior role in a 1 hat restaurant.
• Team player with strong leadership to manage staff.
• Mentoring and developing teams.
• Understanding current culinary and hospitality trends.
• Experience developing menus and driving food quality standards.
• Excellent knowledge of food costs, margins, suppliers and kitchen systems.
• Calm, thoughtful and confident leading a busy service.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ambitious to define own culinary style in a premium environment.
• Exceptional organisation, communication and time management.
• Hands-on attitude with a positive can-do approach.
• Sound and up to date knowledge of food safety and OH&S.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a high performing kitchen team.
• Partner with Executive Chef to develop creative menus showcasing premium produce.
• Manage budgets, food and labour costs, purchasing, wastage and stock.
• Uphold knowledge of food safety and OH&S.
• Respond professionally to guest and management feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Mentoring

Culinary trends

Kitchen operations

Quality standards

Communication

Hands-on

Food safety

OH&S

Job description

The European, sitting opposite the Victorian grandeur of Parliament Househas been operating since 1998 and is a Melbourne institution which has been caring for Melbournians for an eternity.

Together with its sister venues,City Wine Shop, Kafeneion and Melbourne Supper Club, we are looking for a new Head Chef to work closely with our Executive Chef, Peter Sheldon.

Starting in the new year from mid-January 2027, this opportunity allows you to showcase your creativity and have complete input into the direction of our food offerings for the European and City Wine Shop.

We are looking for someone:

• Who has a minimum of 3 year’s experience in a senior role in a 1 hat restaurant
• Who's a team player, with strong leadership skills to manage staff
• With a genuine passion for mentoring and developing teams
• That has a strong understanding of current culinary and hospitality trends
• With demonstrated success in developing menus and driving food quality standards
• With excellent knowledge of food costs, margins, suppliers and kitchen systems
• That's calm, thoughtful and confident leading a busy service
• Has strong attention to detail and accuracy
• That is ambitious to define your own culinary style within a premium restaurant environment
• Who brings with them exceptional organisation, communication and time management skills
• Enjoys being hands on with a positive ‘can do attitude'
• With a sound and up to date knowledge of food safety & OH&S

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a high performing kitchen team
• Partner with the Executive Chef to develop creative and innovative menus that showcase creativity & premium produce
• Manage budgets, food and labour costs, purchasing, wastage and stock control
• Uphold up to date knowledge of food safety & OH&S
• Respond professionally to guest and management feedback

What we offer

• Competitive salary package aligned with experience
• Great working conditions with a true work life balance over flexible day/night shifts across a 5-day roster
• Career development opportunities with an established hospitality group
• Great discounts on wine from the City Wine Shop
• Access to our unique underground cheese importation cheese cave