Head Chef

The Caledonian Restaurant & Bar; Wonthaggi; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation options

Creative control over kitchen and menu

Job summary

The Caledonian Restaurant & Bar in Wonthaggi, VIC is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead the kitchen through a period of exciting renovation and growth. You’ll shape the menu, source seasonal produce and build a kitchen culture that reflects your values.

You’ll take charge of all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu development to cost management, with strong support from the owners. It’s a chance to put your own stamp on the kitchen and create a memorable dining experience.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Holds relevant trade qualifications and food safety certificates.
• Available to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen through the venue transition and beyond.
• Recruit, train and build a strong kitchen team with a positive culture.
• Develop seasonal dishes and menu changes with owners.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, prep, service and close-down.
• Develop and maintain kitchen systems, recipes, prep lists and production schedules.
• Manage kitchen rosters and staffing requirements.
• Work with owners to control food and labour costs and overall kitchen performance.
• Ensure the kitchen operates in line with certification requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Kitchen operations

Team development

Education

Trade qualifications

Tools

Food safety certificates

Job description

The Caledonian Restaurant & Bar – Wonthaggi VIC

Come join us where the country meets the sea!

The Caledonian Restaurant & Bar is located in the center of town and has been the beating heart of Wonthaggi for over 116 years.

This beautiful historic building is undergoing a major renovations, giving the venue a fresh, Modern Mediterranean feel. We’re now looking for the right Head Chef to bring our vision to life through the food.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, driven and creative Head Chef to lead our kitchen and help shape the next chapter of this much-loved local venue.

You’ll take the lead across all kitchen operations, menu development, food sourcing and team culture, with the support of the owners. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to put your own stamp on the kitchen, develop your own style and build a team that reflects your values.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen through the venue transition and beyond
• Recruit, train and build a strong kitchen team with a positive and professional team culture.
• Develop seasonal dishes and menu changes that reflect the restaurant style in collaboration with owners
• Take responsibility for the daily operation of the kitchen, including preparation, service and close-down procedures
• Develop and maintain kitchen systems, recipes, prep lists and production schedules
• Manage kitchen rosters and staffing requirements
• Work closely with the owners to manage food costs, kitchen labour costs and overall kitchen performance.
• Ensure the kitchen operates in accordance with certification requirements.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about creating an outstanding dining experience and wants to help make this one of the best places to eat in town.
• Is creative and confident in developing exciting, seasonal menus.
• Has experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Has strong knowledge of kitchen operations, ordering, stock control and recipe costing.
• Can collaborate with owners and front-of-house staff in a positive and constructive way.
• Is a passionate leader who can develop, motivate and inspire a kitchen team.
• Holds relevant trade qualifications and food safety certificates.
• Is reliable and available to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required.

Why Join Us?

We’re a local family wanting to bring something GREAT to our ever-evolving town.

We work hard, strive to be the best and, most importantly, believe work should be enjoyable. We’re looking for someone who shares that attitude and wants to be part of building something special.

This is more than just a Head Chef position — it’s an opportunity to help shape a new chapter for one of Wonthaggi’s much-loved historic venues.

Attractive salary

tailored to your experience and expectations.

Accommodation options available.

Genuine creative control over the kitchen and menu.

The opportunity to build and lead your own kitchen team.

Work in a newly renovated, historic venue with a fresh modern Mediterranean direction.

Enjoy the lifestyle of South Gippsland, surrounded by rolling hills, beautiful beaches and a wonderful local community.

Ready to make your mark?