Head Chef

Milawa Cheese Company; Milawa; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay (Restaurant Industry)

Daytime hours

Historic local venue

Job summary

The Terrace, Milawa, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and shape a high-quality daytime menu.

This hands-on leadership role covers service, ordering, stock control and staff supervision in a busy café setting, with a focus on seasonal produce and local ingredients.

Join a proud regional venue and work with management to deliver an excellent guest experience.

Qualifications

• Trade-qualified (Cert III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent).
• Experience in a commercial kitchen (minimum 3 years preferred).
• Confident leading a small team.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen organisation.
• Calm and solutions-focused during busy service.
• Passionate about quality produce and well-executed café food.
• Ability to write a menu and change seasonally with knowledge of local produce.

Responsibilities

• Lead breakfast and lunch service.
• Prepare and present menu items to a high and consistent standard.
• Supervise kitchen staff.
• Manage prep workflow and delegate tasks efficiently.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Maintain stock control, ordering and cost management.
• Collaborate with Management to develop menus and seasonal specials.
• Ensure smooth coordination between kitchen and front of house.
• Work autonomously when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Calm under pressure

Menu writing

Food safety knowledge

Team management

Organisational skills

Education

Cert III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

The Terrace is a vibrant daytime café located in Milawa, serving quality breakfast and lunch in a welcoming regional setting. We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and help shape a consistent, high-quality food offering.

If you’re organised, calm under pressure, and take pride in delivering beautiful, well-executed and presented café food we’d love to hear from you.

Senior Chef – The Terrace, Milawa

About the Role

This is a hands-on leadership role. You’ll be responsible for running kitchen service, ordering, maintaining food quality and safety standards, and guiding a small kitchen team in a busy daytime café environment.

You’ll work closely with management to ensure smooth daily operations and a consistently excellent customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead breakfast and lunch service

• Prepare and present menu items to a high and consistent standard

• Supervise kitchen staff

• Manage prep workflow and delegate tasks efficiently

• Maintain food safety and hygiene compliance

• Maintain stock control, ordering and cost management

• Collaborate with Management to develop menus and seasonal specials

• Ensure smooth coordination between kitchen and front of house

• Work autonomously when needed

About You

• Trade-qualified (Cert III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent)

• Experienced in a commercial kitchen (minimum 3 years preferred)

• Confident leading a small team

• Strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen organisation

• Calm and solutions-focused during busy service

• Passionate about quality produce and well-executed café food

• Ability to write a menu and change seasonally with knowledge of local produce

What We Offer

• Primarily daytime hours Thursday - Monday

• Supportive team environment in a historic local venue

• Competitive pay in line with the Restaurant Industry Award

Employment Details

• Full-time preferred, part-time or casual considered

• Weekend availability required

We’re looking for a leadership role in a professional yet relaxed regional café environment. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience.