Head Chef – Weddings & Events Lead (Banquets)

Lancemore Group; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park in Melbourne's heritage setting is seeking an experienced full-time Events Head Chef to lead the kitchen behind weddings, conferences and events. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will drive day-to-day operations, develop the brigade, design seasonal menus and manage high-volume production with a focus on quality, consistency and guest satisfaction.

This role requires strong leadership, food costing, rostering and compliance with food safety standards,

Qualifications

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
• Proven Head Chef or senior sous chef experience in hotels or large events.
• Experience delivering large-scale weddings, conferences and banquets.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Food cost control, budgeting, rostering and stock management.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification or willingness to obtain.
• Excellent organisation and communication under pressure.
• Current Australian working rights.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations for weddings, conferences, day delegate packages and private events.
• Design seasonal event, wedding and conference menus with the Executive Chef.
• Plan and run high-volume production from prep to service.
• Coordinate with events and front-of-house on function sheets, guest numbers, timings and dietary requirements.
• Manage kitchen ordering, sourcing quality produce at the right price.
• Drive food cost control through recipe costing, portion control and wastage management.
• Manage rosters and labour costs aligned with event volumes.
• Lead and develop the kitchen brigade, including casual and agency staff.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen management and WHS.
• Step in for the Executive Chef when needed and participate in planning meetings.
• Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.

Skills

Leadership

Menu design

Food cost management

Staff training

High-volume event cooking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park in Melbourne's heritage setting is seeking an experienced full-time Events Head Chef to lead the kitchen behind weddings, conferences and events. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will drive day-to-day operations, develop the brigade, design seasonal menus and manage high-volume production with a focus on quality, consistency and guest satisfaction.

This role requires strong leadership, food costing, rostering and compliance with food safety standards,