Relief Head Chef

Opal HealthCare; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Regional travel across Opal HealthCare

Permanent full-time employment

Attractive base salary + 12% superann

Job summary

Opal HealthCare is seeking a Relief Head Chef (Regional Relief Chef) to lead kitchen operations across multiple care communities. You’ll deliver nutritious, culturally diverse meals and step into Head Chef duties as needed, ensuring quality, safety and resident joy.

You’ll manage stock and budgets, supervise kitchen teams, and support training. A Food Safety Supervisor Certification and at least five years as Head Chef are required, with opportunities for regional secondments and career

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as Head Chef.
• Supervisory or leadership experience in hospitality or aged care.
• Excellent communication and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious, high-quality meals aligned with resident dietary needs.
• Lead kitchen teams and cover Head Chef duties as required.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and WHS standards.
• Manage stock, ordering and kitchen budgets.
• Build connections with residents, families and staff.
• Assist with training and onboarding of kitchen staff.
• Contribute to seasonal menu planning and events.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Staff supervision

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 CARE is at the heart of everything we do. Opal HealthCare is one of Australia’s leading aged care providers with over 145 Care Communities and over 23,000 team members nationwide.

About the Role:

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Relief Head Chef (known internally as Regional Relief Chef) to support our care communities by delivering exceptional dining experiences and stepping into key culinary leadership roles during periods of leave. This role is central to ensuring continuity, quality, and joy in every meal served to our residents.

What’s on Offer:

• Location: Regional travel across your assigned Opal HealthCare region
  
• Employment Type: Permanent full-time
  
• Remuneration: Attractive base salary + 12% superannuation
  
• Variety & Flexibility: Work across multiple Care Communities, bringing your skills where they are needed most

Why Choose Opal?

• Supportive work environment — Join an experienced hospitality and leadership team
  
• Career development through the Opal HealthCare Academy and culinary upskilling programs
  
• Leadership pathways — Grow into senior culinary or hospitality leadership roles
  
• Study support — Scholarships up to $15,000 for further professional development
  
• $5,000 referral bonuses for bringing great people into the team
  
• National secondment opportunities — Explore new locations and broaden your experience
  
• Be part of sector-leading innovation in aged care food services

What You’ll Do:

• 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

What You’ll Need:

• Food Safety Supervisor Certification
  
• 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
  
• Ability to stay calm, professional, and solutions‑focused in busy kitchen environments
  
• Understanding of Food Safety, WHS, infection control, and relevant legislation
  
• Willingness to complete:
  • Pre‑employment medical
  • Police Check
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check

Create Meaningful Experiences Through Food

If you are a talented chef who believes food plays a vital role in joy, wellbeing, and connection, this is your opportunity to make a profound impact across multiple communities.