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Head Chef & Cook

Accredited Employer · Ballarat, Ballarat & Central Highlands VIC · Full-time

Salary: Discussed at interview

Job description

Your professional reputation is more than a job title. This opportunity is for kitchen professionals who want their real experience, proven skills and verified work history to form the foundation of their next career move. A growing hospitality business in Victoria is building a new kitchen team and is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the operation, together with skilled Chefs, Cooks and Kitchen Hands who can contribute to a high-quality dining experience. The focus is on genuine capability. Candidates with a clear and verifiable employment history, relevant culinary experience and the practical skills required for a professional kitchen will be well placed to be considered. The Head Chef will take a hands-on role in establishing kitchen standards, guiding the team and contributing to an Italian-inspired food offering. Other successful applicants will support the preparation and delivery of consistent, high-quality food within a fast-paced commercial kitchen.

Key responsibilities

  • Leading daily kitchen operations and maintaining professional service standards
  • Preparing and delivering high-quality Italian and European-inspired cuisine
  • Ensuring consistency in food preparation, flavour, portioning and presentation
  • Contributing to menu planning, recipe development and seasonal offerings
  • Managing food preparation, ordering, purchasing and stock levels
  • Monitoring food costs and supporting efficient use of kitchen resources
  • Leading, training and mentoring kitchen team members
  • Supporting staff coordination and roster planning where required
  • Maintaining efficient kitchen performance during busy service periods
  • Ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements
  • Following proper food storage, handling and stock rotation procedures
  • Maintaining clean, safe and well-organised kitchen work areas
  • Working closely with management and the wider hospitality team
  • Supporting a professional, positive and collaborative kitchen culture

Requirements

  • Relevant and verifiable experience in a commercial kitchen environment
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in a senior chef or Head Chef position for Head Chef applicants
  • Previous professional experience in a Chef, Cook or Kitchen Hand role for other positions
  • Ability to demonstrate genuine culinary skills through employment history, qualifications and practical experience
  • Experience with Italian or modern European cuisine is highly regarded
  • Relevant culinary qualifications or recognised industry training are advantageous
  • Strong leadership and communication skills for senior kitchen positions
  • Good knowledge of food costing, stock management and commercial kitchen operations
  • Ability to work efficiently and maintain standards under pressure
  • Commitment to quality food, consistency and professional presentation
  • Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene requirements
  • Reliable, organised and hands-on approach to work
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a professional kitchen team
  • Availability to work required hospitality shifts, including evenings and weekends
  • Employer sponsorship may be available for eligible applicants subject to skills, experience and applicable visa requirements

Visa sponsorship: Accredited Employer Sponsorship provided.

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