Onboard Cruise Chef: Menu Architect & Kitchen Lead

MELBOURNE CRUISERS PTY LTD; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Melbourne Cruisers Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced Chef to develop menus and service plans for dining cruises and private events aboard the Melbourne River Cruises vessels on the Yarra River. You will forecast ingredients, manage stock and guide kitchen staff to deliver high-quality meals on schedule.

The role requires 2–3 years of professional kitchen experience, strong food preparation and safety skills, and the ability to coordinate with cruise operations and guest services.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent overseas qualification.
• At least 2–3 years of full-time relevant experience as a Chef in a professional kitchen.
• Experience planning and delivering food service for restaurants, functions or high-volume events.
• Strong practical skills in food preparation, cooking, menu execution, kitchen coordination and food safety.
• Ability to organise work around service schedules, manage ingredients and supplies, and maintain quality.
• Experience guiding or training kitchen staff is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Translate each cruise itinerary and event brief into a practical kitchen plan with menus and serving quantities.
• Review guest bookings and event requirements; organize ingredients and supplies for expected numbers and menus.
• Oversee flow of work in the galley; prepare and finish dishes for onboard service on time.
• Assess ingredients on delivery and during storage; ensure consistency and presentation of meals.
• Adjust preparation methods and storage to suit space, equipment and service conditions aboard the vessel.
• Coordinate with cruise operations and guest service teams on meal timing and dietary requests.
• Set kitchen routines for preparation, cleaning and handover; coach team members in cruise menu methods.
• Maintain food safety, temperature control, cleaning and storage practices throughout service.
• Track ingredient use and kitchen needs to manage costs and reduce waste.
• Preserve ingredients and prepared items to maintain quality between services.

Skills

Food preparation

Cooking

Menu execution

Kitchen coordination

Food safety

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

Diploma in Culinary Field

Job description

Melbourne Cruisers Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced Chef to develop menus and service plans for dining cruises and private events aboard the Melbourne River Cruises vessels on the Yarra River. You will forecast ingredients, manage stock and guide kitchen staff to deliver high-quality meals on schedule.

The role requires 2–3 years of professional kitchen experience, strong food preparation and safety skills, and the ability to coordinate with cruise operations and guest services.