Head Chef - Somerville Gardens Care Community

Opal Healthcare; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent full-time

12% superannuation

Visa sponsorship available

Relocation assistance

Ongoing learning opportunities

Job summary

Opal HealthCare is seeking a Head Chef in Melbourne to lead our hospitality team and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals for residents. You will manage kitchen operations, mentor staff, and bring our food philosophy to life every day, ensuring safety and excellence across dining services.

You will drive seasonal menus, coach team members, and collaborate with care teams to provide exceptional and person-centred dining experiences in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Commercial Cooking or equivalent required.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification preferred.
• Experience leading kitchen or hospitality teams in a residential setting.
• Ability to design nutritious menus meeting residents’ dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the catering team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for residents.
• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals and seasonal menus.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, infection control, and WHS requirements.
• Coach and develop kitchen staff through mentoring and training.
• Manage orders, stock control, and catering budgets to minimise waste.

Skills

Team leadership

Culinary management

Menu planning

Nutrition knowledge

Food safety

Education

Certificate IV in Commercial Cooking

Job description

\"At Opal HealthCare, we know that companies don't succeed, people do.\"Our purpose is to bring joy to those we care for and our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence reflect that C.A.R.E is at the heart of everything we do. Opal HealthCare is one of Australia's leading private aged care providers, with over 150 Care Communities, caring for more than 14,000 residents and supporting over 23,000 team members nationwide.

Permanent | Full-time | Monday to Friday | 9am - 5pm

About the Role

We're looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our hospitality team and create exceptional dining experiences for our residents. You'll play a key role in delivering nutritious, high-quality meals while leading kitchen operations, mentoring team members, and bringing our food philosophy to life every day.

Why Somerville Gardens?

Join a welcoming and close-knit Care Community where you'll be supported to grow your career while making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents every day. Enjoy a collaborative team culture, ongoing development opportunities, and the reward of delivering person-centred care in a beautiful coastal location.

What You'll Do

• Lead and inspire the catering team to deliver exceptional dining experiences


• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals that meet resident preferences and dietary requirements


• Create seasonal menus and contribute to engaging food experiences for residents


• Coach and develop kitchen team members through mentoring and on-the-job training


• Ensure compliance with food safety, infection control, and workplace safety requirements


• Manage ordering, stock control, and catering budgets to minimise waste and maximise value


• Build positive relationships with residents and families to understand their dining preferences


• Drive continuous improvement across hospitality services and resident satisfaction

Benefits & Rewards

• Permanent full-time opportunity


• Competitive salary package plus 12% superannuation


• Visa Sponsorship available and relocation assistance


• Parental leave and flexible public holiday options


• Ongoing learning and development through the Opal HealthCare Academy


• State and national career progression opportunities


• Team Member discounts, wellbeing programs and recognition initiatives


• Up to $5,000 referral bonus for eligible referrals


• Industry-leading systems, technology and innovation


• Supportive leadership team and rewarding career pathways

What You'll Bring

• Certificate IV in Commercial Cooking, trade qualification, or equivalent


• Food Safety Supervisor certification


• Previous experience leading kitchen or hospitality teams


• Passion for delivering outstanding food and customer experiences


• Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills


• Sound understanding of food safety, WHS, and kitchen compliance requirements


• Excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills


• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment


• Willingness to complete:Pre-employment medical


• Police Check


• NDIS Worker Screening Check

Make a Meaningful MoveJoin a team that values your expertise, supports your growth, and empowers you to create memorable dining experiences for residents every day.