Head Chef: Italian Kitchen Lead & Menu Innovator

BuildRight Construction AU; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full visa sponsorship available

Job summary

We are seeking an accomplished Head Chef to lead and shape a new Italian-inspired dining operation in Victoria. You will oversee hands-on kitchen leadership, establish food standards, cultivate team culture, and drive operational direction for the venue’s opening kitchen team.

The successful candidate will provide strong leadership, ensure high-quality food service, manage costing and stock, and mentor junior staff. Availability for hospitality shifts including evenings and weekends is required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated and verifiable commercial kitchen experience relevant to the position.
• Minimum 3 years of senior culinary or Head Chef experience for Head Chef applicants.
• Experience in Chef, Cook or commercial kitchen roles for other available positions.
• Experience with Italian or modern European cuisine is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen team to deliver professional, efficient service.
• Prepare and cook Italian and European-inspired dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Maintain food quality, presentation, taste and portion consistency.
• Develop menus, recipes, specials and seasonal dishes.
• Manage costing, ordering, purchasing and stock control.
• Monitor kitchen expenditure and support effective labour management.
• Train, mentor and develop junior kitchen team members.
• Prepare and coordinate staff rosters as required.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and workplace compliance.
• Support smooth and efficient kitchen operations during busy service periods.
• Assist with food preparation, storage, stock rotation and kitchen organisation.
• Work closely with management and colleagues to achieve operational and service standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised commercial kitchen environment.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary leadership

Communication skills

Team management

Food safety

Quality control

Cost awareness

Fast-paced service

Education

Culinary qualifications

Tools

Stock management

Job description

We are seeking an accomplished Head Chef to lead and shape a new Italian-inspired dining operation in Victoria. You will oversee hands-on kitchen leadership, establish food standards, cultivate team culture, and drive operational direction for the venue’s opening kitchen team.

The successful candidate will provide strong leadership, ensure high-quality food service, manage costing and stock, and mentor junior staff. Availability for hospitality shifts including evenings and weekends is required.