Head Chef — Lead Menu Innovation & Kitchen Excellence

Little H Operations Pty Ltd; Bunbury; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Little H Operations Pty Ltd in Naturaliste, WA, seeks a Head Chef to lead our kitchen and drive culinary direction for Meelup Farmhouse. This full-time role requires overseeing menu development, food preparation, and service quality, while mentoring cooks and ensuring cost control and safety standards.

You will manage supplier relationships, maintain high presentation standards, and collaborate with front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional dining experiences for our guests.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary training or equivalent professional experience in professional kitchens.
• 5-7 years cooking experience; 2-3 years in head chef leadership.
• Proven expertise in food preparation, techniques and standards across cuisines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development abilities.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in menu planning, recipe development and cost control.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks during service.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and execute seasonal menus while maintaining brand identity.
• Lead, supervise and mentor kitchen staff.
• Manage food costs, inventory and supplier relations.
• Ensure food safety and hygiene compliance at all times.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and facilities.
• Create and plate dishes to high standards aligned with culinary vision.
• Train staff on cooking techniques, plating standards and safety.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to meet guest requirements.
• Conduct quality checks on all dishes before service.
• Manage kitchen budgets and seek cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Culinary leadership

5-7 years cooking

Head chef leadership

Food safety knowledge

Menu planning

Recipe development

Cost control

Team leadership

Communication

Culinary creativity

POS knowledge

Education

Culinary training

Job description

Little H Operations Pty Ltd in Naturaliste, WA, seeks a Head Chef to lead our kitchen and drive culinary direction for Meelup Farmhouse. This full-time role requires overseeing menu development, food preparation, and service quality, while mentoring cooks and ensuring cost control and safety standards.

You will manage supplier relationships, maintain high presentation standards, and collaborate with front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional dining experiences for our guests.