Regional Relief Chef — Lead Kitchens Across Care Communities

Opal Healthcare; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Regional travel

Permanent full-time

12% superannuation

Scholarships up to 15k

Referral bonuses

National secondments

Career development

Culinary upskilling

Job summary

Opal HealthCare is seeking an experienced Regional Relief Chef to support multiple care communities across regional Victoria. You will deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate meals and step into Head Chef or Sous Chef duties during periods of leave to ensure continuity and joy in every meal served.

Lead kitchen teams, manage stock and budgets, and uphold food safety and WHS standards while building relationships with residents and families.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Head Chef.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience (hospitality/aged care highly regarded).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and time-management skills.
• Understanding of Food Safety, WHS, infection control, and relevant legislation.
• Willingness to complete: Pre-employment medical, Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, high-quality meals aligned with resident dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements.
• Create meaningful food experiences that enhance resident wellbeing.
• Lead kitchen and hospitality teams when covering Head Chef or Sous Chef duties.
• Maintain exceptional standards in food safety, hygiene, and WHS compliance.
• Manage stock, ordering, and kitchen budgets in line with Opal procurement guidelines.
• Build strong connections with residents, families, and team members.
• Support training, onboarding, and coaching of kitchen staff.
• Contribute to seasonal menu creation and community-wide catering events.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Time management

Communication

Education

Food Safety Supervisor Certification

Job description

Opal HealthCare is seeking an experienced Regional Relief Chef to support multiple care communities across regional Victoria. You will deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate meals and step into Head Chef or Sous Chef duties during periods of leave to ensure continuity and joy in every meal served.

Lead kitchen teams, manage stock and budgets, and uphold food safety and WHS standards while building relationships with residents and families.