Head Chef | Creative Menu Leader & Team Mentor

The Boathouse; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Hospitality benefits

Career development

Job summary

The Boathouse in Moonee Ponds is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and craft a compelling culinary direction. You will oversee all food preparation, design menus, manage a talented brigade, uphold HACCP standards, and ensure exceptional service across services.

This full-time role rewards strong leadership, creativity, and budget-savvy operations, with opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant hospitality setting that values quality ingredients and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume restaurant
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary cooking techniques and trends
• Strong leadership and ability to inspire and develop staff
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Sound knowledge of food safety, health and safety regulations (HACCP)
• Experience with cost control and inventory management
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade to foster high performance
• Design innovative menus reflecting current trends and The Boathouse identity
• Oversee all food preparation, cooking and presentation for consistency and excellence
• Maintain rigorous food safety, hygiene and HACCP compliance
• Manage kitchen budgets, control food costs and minimise waste
• Conduct quality control checks on all dishes before serving
• Source premium ingredients and build supplier relationships
• Train and develop kitchen staff and support career progression
• Collaborate with front-of-house management to ensure seamless service
• Respond to feedback and continuously improve culinary offerings

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Time management

Culinary expertise

Menu design

Education

Culinary qualifications or equivalent

Job description

The Boathouse in Moonee Ponds is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and craft a compelling culinary direction. You will oversee all food preparation, design menus, manage a talented brigade, uphold HACCP standards, and ensure exceptional service across services.

This full-time role rewards strong leadership, creativity, and budget-savvy operations, with opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant hospitality setting that values quality ingredients and guest satisfaction.