Head Chef - Aged Care Dining & Team Leadership

Opal Healthcare; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent full-time

12% superannuation

Visa sponsorship available

Relocation assistance

Paid parental leave

Flexible public holiday options

Opal HealthCare Academy

Scholarships up to $15,000

State and national career progression

Team member discounts

Wellbeing programs

$5,000 referral bonus

Industry‑leading systems

Supportive leadership team

Job summary

Opal HealthCare’s Vermont Views Care Community in Melbourne is seeking a Head Chef who will lead a hospitality team and deliver nutritious, high‑quality meals for residents. You will manage kitchen operations, mentor staff and implement our food philosophy daily.

You’ll drive menu development, ensure safety and compliance, and work in a modern, resident‑centred environment within a supportive team committed to wellbeing and exceptional care.

Qualifications

• Must hold Food Safety Supervisor certification.
• Experience leading kitchen or hospitality teams.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people management skills.
• Solid understanding of food safety, WHS and kitchen compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the catering team to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
• Plan and prepare nutritious, high‑quality meals meeting resident preferences and dietary requirements.
• Create seasonal menus and contribute to engaging food experiences for residents.
• Coach and develop kitchen team members through mentoring and on‑the‑job training.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, infection control, and workplace safety requirements.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and catering budgets to minimise waste and maximise value.
• Build positive relationships with residents and families to understand dining preferences.
• Drive continuous improvement across hospitality services and resident satisfaction.

Skills

Food Safety Supervisor

Lead kitchen teams

Leadership & coaching

Food quality

Job description

Opal HealthCare’s Vermont Views Care Community in Melbourne is seeking a Head Chef who will lead a hospitality team and deliver nutritious, high‑quality meals for residents. You will manage kitchen operations, mentor staff and implement our food philosophy daily.

You’ll drive menu development, ensure safety and compliance, and work in a modern, resident‑centred environment within a supportive team committed to wellbeing and exceptional care.