Head Chef - New Venue Opening

About the role

A brand-new hospitality and entertainment venue is opening soon in Melbourne, and INAC Hospitality is recruiting an experienced Head Chef to join the opening team and lead the kitchen from day one. The venue is backed by an established and growing hospitality group, and the food offering is fresh, approachable and family-focused, with burgers, parmas, pizzas, share plates and casual dining dishes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen through pre-opening, launch and ongoing operation
• Recruit, train and develop a strong back-of-house team
• Establish kitchen systems, procedures and service standards
• Oversee preparation, service and daily kitchen operations
• Deliver consistent, quality food across a broad menu
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and wastage
• Maintain high food safety, cleanliness and compliance standards
• Work closely with the General Manager and wider leadership team

Required profile

• Experience as a Head Chef in a busy restaurant, pub, club or large-format venue
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Confidence managing a high-volume kitchen
• Ability to remain calm and lead effectively during busy services
• Availability across weekends and key trading periods

Required skills

• Sound understanding of food costs, stock control and kitchen compliance
• Practical, organised and hands-on approach
• Passion for producing consistent, quality food

What we offer

• Competitive salary package
• Brand-new kitchen and venue opening in October
• Opportunity to be part of the opening team
• Support from an established and expanding hospitality group
• Genuine career progression as the group grows
• The chance to build your kitchen team and culture from the ground up