Run the central kitchen behind two Japanese restaurants in Melbourne. Weekday production, no service nights, bonus on achieving and maintaining the food cost target. We are gearing up for expansion and you will be directly contributing to our ability to scale.

Yaki Jin operates two all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ restaurants in Melbourne, supported by our central kitchen in Keysborough.

We’re looking for a Head Chef to run that kitchen.

This isn’t a restaurant service role. There’s no pass and no dinner rush. It’s a hands‑on production job covering wagyu and salmon breakdown, slicing, skewers, sauces and purchasing. You’ll lead a team of around six and you are expected to have strong organisation skills.

You’ll also be responsible for food cost across the group. It’s a number you’ll own, and there’s a bonus when you hit the agreed target.

There’s room to build something here, too. We’re developing takeaway, catering and retail lines from the central kitchen, including beef tallow and beef chips made from trim we currently throw away. If you’ve wanted to develop a product, we’ll give you the kitchen, supply and backing to do it.





As those parts of the business grow, this role can grow into Group Executive Chef.

The schedule is weekday production. No Friday night service. Ever.

What we’re looking for:

- At least three years running production in a central kitchen, catering business, smallgoods operation or high-volume Asian kitchen
- Initiative
- Someone ready to directlybe responsible forgrowing an additional review stream
- Passion for food and creativity
- Strong protein breakdown and slicing skills
- A solid understanding of yields, stock counts, purchasing and food cost
- The ability to lead a production team and keep standards consistent
- Japanese cuisine, BBQ or product-development experience is useful, but not essential
- Solid communication and negotiation skills
- Commercial accumen is highly regarded

Important Details:

- Pay is $80,000 -$110,000+ super, depending on experience.
- Bonus tied to the food-cost target
- This is a salaried contract position.
- Visa sponsorship through the 482 or 186 pathway is available for the right person.

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📌 Production Head Chef - Central Kitchen (Dandenong)
🏢 Yaki Jin
📍 Dandenong