About SSP

SSP is one of the world’s leading operators of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide. We are a UK-listed company with operations in 30+ countries. Our portfolio includes well-known international brands as well as some of Australia’s most renowned hospitality operations, which we operate under franchise and partnership arrangements, including ST.ALi, MoVida, Biggie Smalls by Shane Delia, Icebergs, Roll'd, Hungry Jack's, KFC, Veneziano Coffee, Stitch Coffee, Sushi Jiro, Luke’s Bistro and Bar, Stone & Wood, Liv-Eat, as well as our own curated brands.

This is an opportunity for the right candidate to:

Lead a large and complex multi-brand operation with further growth through upcoming refurbishments and new venue openings.

Work alongside renowned hospitality partners and celebrity chefs, helping shape exceptional dining experiences across Melbourne Airport.

Take on a high-profile leadership role within one of Australia's busiest airport hospitality operations.

Lead and inspire a high-performing culinary team across a diverse portfolio of premium hospitality brands.

Drive innovation, operational excellence, and outstanding guest experiences while developing your career with a global hospitality leader.

- St. ALi
- Two Johns Tap House
- Bar Pulpo by Movida
- Hungry Jack's
- Biggie Smalls
- Quikshots
- BaXa
- Cafe Sol
- Noodles XO
- Sushi Jiro
- Nathan Road
- The Cellar
- Flat Chat

ALL about the role:

Lead our Kitchen Team of more than 100 Back of House employees across multiple restaurants, cafés and bars located at Melbourne Airport. Reporting to the Regional General Manager, you will be supported by a great leadership team and work with one of Australia's leading hospitality operators.

Maintain financial targets for both Cost of Goods and labour costs through effective leadership, training, and follow-up.

Create a food-safe environment by adhering to, enforcing, and further developing our Food Safety Program.

Manage, inspire, and lead a team to create an outstanding dining experience for our guests, delivering consistent, high-quality food and an exceptional dining experience.

Have a genuine passion for what you do, keeping up to date with Australian and international food trends, resulting in innovative menu development.

Be innovative, continually looking for ways to wow our guests and challenge the team to create exciting and contemporary menus.





Develop positive customer relations through interacting with our guests and being the face of the kitchen.

Manage department operations, including budgeting, rostering, forecasting, resource planning, food costs, waste management, and monthly stocktakes.

Foster positive relationships with other key managers, department heads, and suppliers to meet business needs.

Coach and develop your team to succeed professionally via regular 1:1 meetings, personal development plans, appraisals, training, and reward and recognition programs.

Maintain all company compliance by ensuring documentation is up to date (food licences, fire compliance, etc.).

ALL about you:

A progressive, creative professional who remains pragmatic and focused in an ever-changing and challenging fast-paced environment.

A culinary artist with an established background in delivering exceptional dining experiences across multiple venues.

You will have a fun attitude and a generous approach to developing your team.

You are passionate about showcasing the best produce to create a destination venue that sees patrons returning again and again.

An experienced Executive Chef or similar role as a senior chef (minimum of 12 months' experience in a similar role), preferably with knowledge of café, restaurant, and/or retail environments.

Excellent communication skills and a qualified attitude.

A proven ability to recruit, motivate, and train successful teams, and the capability of planning and reporting your strategy in achieving these goals.

Strong knowledge of all aspects of business reporting.

Must hold a current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate.

Access to your own transportation (outside of public transport).

Additional Information:

- In addition to the opportunity to grow and develop your career potential, we provide free parking and meals.

We are an inclusive company, and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent. We offer reasonable adjustments to support you.



If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, you are most welcome to let us know.

What you will enjoy:

- Work Your Way - We adjust to your lifestyle and meet you where you are. This is primarily a Monday to Friday role.
- Learn Your Way - Personal development plans, yearly appraisals and career progression opportunities nationally.
- Gain amazing exposure working with an industry leader.

About Us

Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and this is underpinned by our aim to bring leading brands and innovative concepts to our clients and customers around the world, with an emphasis on great value, taste, quality and service – using digital technology to boost efficiency.

Our people are at the heart of our business and our values are integral to our business, underpinning everything we do.

We are one team ... working together and sharing our best ideas to fulfil our global potential.

We are results focused... delivering great food and service for our customers and outstanding results for our clients, shareholders and colleagues

We all make a difference... respecting each other, acting responsibly and being accountable for the contributions that we make.

We are bold ...seizing opportunities, innovating and quickly adapting every day.

We celebrate success... recognising and valuing everyone’s achievements.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not unlawfully discriminate against applicants for employment based on colour, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, physical disability, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other bases protected by local law. Subject to legitimate business requirements, all recruitment actions are based solely on the company’s legitimate business needs and an individual’s qualifications.

We are looking for talented and passionate individuals to join SSP to start their best part of their journey.

To find out more, please visit: www.foodtravelexperts.com

Important Note:

Allsuccessful applicants will be required to obtain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) which requires a background and criminal history check from the country of origin. All employment offers are conditional on being able to hold and maintain an ASIC.

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📌 Executive Chef (Williamstown)
🏢 SSP Australia
📍 Williamstown