Head Chef Ringwood/ Full Time

Varsity; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training with WA team

Job summary

Varsity is opening its first Melbourne venue in Ringwood, and we’re seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen from day one. You’ll oversee a busy, high-volume operation, build a strong BOH team, and ensure meals meet Varsity’s standards.

You’ll train with our WA team before launching in Melbourne, embracing the Varsity Way, food safety, and consistent service that delivers Good Times to guests.

Qualifications

• Experience leading busy kitchens with strong service discipline.
• Proven ability to build and mentor kitchen teams.
• Sound knowledge of food safety standards and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen for Varsity Ringwood from day one and drive the opening.
• Build and develop the BOH team and manage stock, prep and service.
• Ensure Varsity’s recipes, plating and standards are followed under high pressure.
• Maintain high quality and speed during busy services.
• Collaborate with Venue Manager to implement processes and culture.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance.

Skills

Head Chef Leadership

High Volume Kitchens

Team Development

Food Safety & HACCP

People Management

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

Melbourne, Varsity is coming.

After more than a decade of burgers, beers, wings and Good Times across WA, we’re crossing the border and opening our very first Melbourne venue in Ringwood this November!

Head Chef | Varsity Ringwood

Melbourne, Varsity is coming.

After more than a decade of burgers, beers, wings and Good Times across WA, we’re crossing the border and opening our very first Melbourne venue in Ringwood this November!

Founded by three mates in 2013, Varsity started as a student bar and has grown into an entertainment hub packed with great food, cold beers, arcade games, bowling and plenty of Good Times.

Now we need a Head Chef to lead the kitchen bringing Varsity to Victoria for the very first time.

This isn’t just another Head Chef gig. You’ll be building a new kitchen team, setting the standard from day one and playing a huge part in launching Varsity Ringwood.

Before we open the doors in Ringwood, you’ll spend time with our experienced WA teams learning all things Varsity.

You’ll get immersed in our food, systems, culture and seriously busy kitchens so that when you return to Melbourne, you’re ready to lead Varsity Ringwood the Varsity Way.

Attendance in Perth for a training period prior to the November opening is required.

Think of it as Varsity bootcamp, just with more burgers.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Head Chef, the kitchen is yours to lead.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Building, leading and developing your BOH crew
• Delivering every meal Varsity’s Way
• Keeping quality and speed high when the kitchen is pumping
• Following our national recipes and plating guides
• Managing kitchen operations, prep and service
• Driving food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards
• Managing stock, ordering, deliveries and wastage
• Keeping kitchen compliance and reporting on point
• Working closely with the Venue Manager and leadership team
• Bringing energy, accountability and a Good Times attitude to your kitchen
• Helping make the opening of Varsity Ringwood one Melbourne remembers

Who Are You?

You’re an experienced kitchen leader who knows how to run a busy service without losing your head when the docket printer starts having a melt down.

You’ll Bring

• Head Chef or strong senior kitchen leadership experience
• Experience in high volume restaurants, pubs or similar venues
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• A genuine love of great food and consistent standards
• Solid knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance
• The ability to manage stock, labour and kitchen performance
• A hands on leadership style because you’re not afraid to jump on the tools
• Relevant qualifications and/or demonstrated commercial kitchen experience
• Australian working rights

Most importantly, you’ll bring the energy to build a great kitchen culture from scratch.

Why Varsity?

You’re not walking into someone else’s kitchen.

You’ll be leading the first Varsity kitchen in Victoria and helping establish a brand that’s ready to make some noise in Melbourne.

You’ll train with the crew who know Varsity best, build your own Ringwood team and be there when we open the doors for the very first time.

• Burgers
• Wings
• Bowling
• Arcades
• Your kitchen

Varsity Ringwood opens November 2026.

Ready to bring the Good Times to Melbourne?

Good Times Always.