Head Chef | National Gallery of Australia
Location:
National Gallery of Australia,Canberra
Trippas White Group is one of Australia'spremier hospitality companies, managing over 140 venues nationwide, includingiconic restaurants, cafés, event spaces, and hospitality services forprestigious organisations.
Our commitment to quality, innovation, andexcellence makes us a leader in the industry.
An exciting new chapter is about to begin atthe National Gallery of Australia.
Trippas White Group is proud to launchOculus Café x Kitchen by Mike – a unique collaboration between the NationalGallery of Australia, acclaimed Australian chef Mike McEnearney, and TrippasWhite Group.
Operated on behalf of Kitchen by Mike, this current venue bringstogether the Gallery's creativity and cultural significance, Mike's celebratedproduce-led food philosophy, and Trippas White Group's renowned hospitalityexpertise.
OwnIt Like It's Yours – Lead the Opening Kitchen at Oculus Café x Kitchen by Mike
We're looking for a Head Chef who wants morethan a job – someone ready to take full ownership of a brand-current site from dayone and build it as if it were their own.
Reporting to the Executive Chef –Retail Canberra, you'll be the driving force behind day-to-day kitchenoperations, bringing Mike McEnearney's produce-led philosophy to life forGallery visitors while also owning the venue's events offering – from intimatefunctions to large-scale Gallery occasions – with the leadership skills toplan, staff, and deliver every one of them flawlessly.
KeyResponsibilities
Takefull ownership of culinary operations at Oculus Café x Kitchen by Mike, drivingstandards,



consistency and quality across every service.
Partnerwith Trippas White Group's senior culinary leadership and the Kitchen by Miketeam to bring Mike McEnearney's produce-led food philosophy to life on the cafémenu.
Ownthe planning and delivery of Gallery events and functions – from menu designthrough to staffing, service and on-the-day execution – ensuring every occasionreflects the quality of the brand.
Recruit,roster and manage kitchen and event staff, fostering a positive, collaborativeculture of learning, accountability and genuine hospitality.
Lead,mentor and develop a high-performing team, building a real pipeline of talentand succession within the venue.
Maintainrigorous food safety, HACCP and WH&S; compliance across daily service andevent operations.
Managebudgets, food and labour costs, and procurement to protect profitabilitywithout compromising on quality.
Conductregular site audits and use guest feedback to drive continuous improvement infood, service and presentation.
WhatWe're Looking For
Provenexperience as a Head Chef, or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up, ideallywithin a high-profile, multi-faceted hospitality or cultural venue.




Agenuine passion for produce-driven cooking and the confidence to bring arespected chef's philosophy to life with authenticity.
Hands-onexperience planning and running events or functions, with the leadership skillsto manage staff under pressure.
Strongpeople leadership – someone who builds, trains and retains great teams.
Financialacumen across budgeting, cost control and P&L; management.
Solidunderstanding of food safety, compliance and WH&S; standards.
Anentrepreneurial mindset – someone who wants to build something and takesgenuine pride of ownership in a new venue.
WhyJoin Us?
This is a rare opportunity to be part of anew venue from day one – working with Mike McEnearney's concept and TrippasWhite Group's experienced culinary leaders to bring a produce-driven menu, a produce-driven events program, to life for Gallery visitors and guests.
Benefits include:
Genuineautonomy and ownership of your own site from opening day
Thechance to work alongside acclaimed chef Mike McEnearney's Kitchen by Mikeconcept, backed by Trippas White Group's national platform
Comprehensiveinduction program to set you up for success
Ongoingprofessional development and career progression opportunities
Weeklyremuneration and a competitive salary package
EmployeeAssistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support
Diningdiscounts and perks across our network of venues
Careerprogression across Trippas White Group's national network of 150+ venues
Trippas White Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous and First Nations Australians to apply.
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📌 Head Chef | National Gallery Of Australia (Canberra)
🏢 Trippas White Group
📍 Canberra