Head Chef - High-Volume Campus Kitchen & Menu Leader

Cater Care; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relish Discounts across 650+ retailers

Training, career development

Ownership of kitchen

Vibrant education/community setting

Job summary

Burgmann College in Canberra seeks a Head Chef to lead a high-volume kitchen across dining, functions and community events. You’ll shape menus, manage procurement, production and kitchen performance while directing a team of sous and junior chefs.

Bring a trade qualification, food-safety certifications and extensive experience in large-scale catering. You’ll thrive in a busy education environment and own the kitchen operations day-to-day.

Qualifications

• Trade qualification in Commercial Cookery required.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification required.
• RSA certification preferred.
• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume catering.
• Experience in menu planning, bulk cooking and delivering consistent food quality at scale.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, WHS and hygiene requirements.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead a four-week rotating menu designed for a diverse dining community.
• Oversee large-scale institutional catering, college functions and dinners.
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations and service.
• Develop menus, procurement and monitor commercial performance.
• Forecast production and control portions; manage resources efficiently.
• Maintain food quality, presentation and service standards.
• Lead, mentor, train and roster the kitchen team; stay hands-on during peak times.
• Ensure compliance with ACT Food Safety Standards, HACCP and WHS policies.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Bulk cooking

Food safety

HACCP

WHS compliance

Communication

Prioritisation

WWVP check

Education

Trade Qualification in Commercial Cookery

Certificate IV or equivalent

Job description

Burgmann College in Canberra seeks a Head Chef to lead a high-volume kitchen across dining, functions and community events. You’ll shape menus, manage procurement, production and kitchen performance while directing a team of sous and junior chefs.

Bring a trade qualification, food-safety certifications and extensive experience in large-scale catering. You’ll thrive in a busy education environment and own the kitchen operations day-to-day.