Head Chef - Somerville Gardens Care Community

Opal Healthcare; Somerville; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent full-time

Salary with 12% superannuation

Visa sponsorship and relocation

Parental leave & flexible holidays

Opal HealthCare Academy

Career progression opportunities

Staff discounts & wellbeing programs

Referral bonus up to 5000 AUD

Innovative systems & technology

Job summary

Opal HealthCare in Somerville, VIC, is seeking a Head Chef to lead our hospitality team and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals for residents. You will mentor staff and ensure food safety and kitchen compliance while shaping our food philosophy across daily operations.

The role offers a permanent full-time position with opportunities for development through the Opal HealthCare Academy and visa sponsorship/relocation support where eligible.

Qualifications

• Food safety Supervisor certification required.
• Experience leading kitchen or hospitality teams.
• Passion for delivering outstanding food and customer experiences.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Sound understanding of food safety, WHS and kitchen compliance.
• Excellent organisational, communication and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the catering team to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals meeting resident preferences and dietary requirements.
• Create seasonal menus and contribute to engaging dining 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 dining preferences.
• Drive continuous improvement across hospitality services and resident satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Menu planning

Coaching

Communication

Time management

Education

Food Safety Supervisor certification

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

• 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 Move

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