Head Chef | New Melbourne Seafood Restaurant

at; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A new restaurant in Melbourne is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen and shape the menu. The role requires strong Cantonese cooking skills and creativity to develop modern fusion dishes. Responsibilities include overseeing kitchen operations, training staff, and ensuring food quality and safety standards. This is a unique opportunity to build a kitchen team from the ground up with a competitive salary package based on experience.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Opportunity for career growth

Collaborative management environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in Cantonese, Asian, or fusion cuisine.
• Strong skills in wok cooking, roasting, steaming, and seafood preparation.
• Ability to create innovative and contemporary fusion dishes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations and ensure smooth service.
• Develop, plan, and execute menus combining Cantonese classics with modern fusion concepts.
• Train, supervise, and mentor kitchen staff.

Skills

Wok cooking

Seafood preparation

Leadership

Cost control

Job description

About Us

We are a new restaurant specialising in traditional Cantonese cuisine and modern fusion dishes, opening soon in Melbourne. Our concept brings together authentic Cantonese flavours, premium seafood, and innovative culinary techniques to create a unique and contemporary dining experience.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and play a key role in shaping our menu and culinary identity. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of Cantonese cooking techniques, live seafood handling, and the creativity to develop modern fusion dishes that appeal to Melbourne’s diverse dining market.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations and ensure smooth service.
• Develop, plan, and execute menus combining Cantonese classics with modern fusion concepts.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Train, supervise, and mentor kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with management on menu design, seasonal specials, and cost control.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP).
• Manage inventory, ordering, supplier relationships, and kitchen cost efficiency.
• Lead by example during busy service periods.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in Cantonese, Asian, or fusion cuisine.
• Strong skills in wok cooking, roasting, steaming, and seafood preparation.
• Ability to create innovative and contemporary fusion dishes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-management abilities.
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations, budgeting, and cost control.
• Knowledge of Australian food safety standards.
• Creativity, passion, and attention to detail.

What We Offer

Competitive salary package (negotiable based on experience).

Opportunity to build and lead the kitchen team from the ground up.

Supportive and collaborative management environment.

Career growth as the brand expands.

Location

Melbourne, VIC