HEAD CHEF

Cookes Food & Events; Saint Kilda Junction; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Growth opportunities

Supportive team

Job summary

Cookes Food & Events is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and partner with our Executive Chef on menu development and event execution.

You will oversee daily operations, train staff, and uphold top standards of food quality and safety while managing costs and supplier relations for diverse client needs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading kitchen teams in high-volume catering or fine-dining environments.
• Strong cooking craft and a track record of delivering exceptional dishes.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative, seasonal menus aligned with client needs.
• Lead kitchen operations, ensuring cleanliness and health/safety standards.
• Train and mentor culinary team and foster a collaborative kitchen culture.
• Maintain top quality in food taste, presentation and consistency through tastings.
• Monitor food costs and inventory; negotiate supplier pricing without compromising quality.
• Build strong supplier relationships and ensure timely deliveries.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary Excellence

Menu Development

Food Safety

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent professional training

Job description

We're on the hunt for a talented, experienced Head Chef to join our kitchen team. Working alongside our Executive Chef, you'll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu development to staff management to event execution. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who takes pride in every dish that leaves the kitchen.

Key responsibilities

Create innovative, seasonal menus that reflect current culinary trends, working closely with our Creative Director to meet the diverse needs of our clients

Run smooth, efficient day-to-day operations while maintaining top standards of cleanliness and health and safety compliance

Lead, train and mentor the culinary team, building a positive and collaborative kitchen culture

Uphold the highest standards of food quality, presentation and taste through regular tastings and evaluations

Monitor food costs and inventory, finding cost effective solutions without ever compromising on quality

Build strong supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and ensure reliable, timely deliveries

About you

Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a high volume catering environment or high end restaurant

A culinary degree or equivalent professional training

Strong leadership and team management skills

Exceptional creativity and culinary expertise

Excellent organisational and time management abilities

Solid knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards

Great communication and interpersonal skills

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends around event schedules

About us

Cookes Food & Events is a premier catering and event planning company known for exceptional culinary experiences and impeccable service. We're passionate about creating memorable events, backed by a genuine commitment to quality and innovation in everything we cook.

Competitive salary and benefits package

Real opportunities for professional growth and development

A dynamic, supportive team environment

The chance to work alongside a talented, passionate crew