"At Opal HealthCare, we know that companies don’t succeed, people do."

Our purpose is to bring joy to those we care for and our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence reflect that CARE is at the heart of everything we do. Opal HealthCare is one of Australia’s leading aged care providers with over 145 Care Communities and over 23,000 team members nationwide.

About the Role

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Regional Relief Chef to support our care communities by delivering exceptional dining experiences and stepping into key culinary leadership roles during periods of leave. This role is central to ensuring continuity, quality, and joy in every meal served to our residents.

What’s on Offer

Location: Regional travel across your assigned Opal HealthCare region

Employment Type: Permanent full-time

Remuneration: Attractive base salary + 12% superannuation

Variety & Flexibility: Work across multiple Care Communities, bringing your skills where they are needed most

Why Choose Opal?

Supportive work environment — Join an experienced hospitality and leadership team

Career development through the Opal HealthCare Academy and culinary upskilling programs

Leadership pathways — Grow into senior culinary or hospitality leadership roles

Study support — Scholarships up to $15,000 for further professional development

$5,000 referral bonuses for bringing great people into the team

National secondment opportunities — Explore new locations and broaden your experience

Be part of sector-leading innovation in aged care food services

What You’ll Do





Prepare nutritious, high‑quality meals aligned with resident dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements

Create meaningful food experiences that enhance resident wellbeing

Lead kitchen and hospitality teams when covering Head Chef or Sous Chef duties

Maintain exceptional standards in food safety, hygiene, and WHS compliance

Manage stock, ordering, and kitchen budgets in line with Opal procurement guidelines

Build solid connections with residents, families, and team members

Support training, onboarding, and coaching of kitchen staff

Contribute to seasonal menu creation and community‑wide catering events

What You’ll Need

Certificate IV in Commercial Cooking or equivalent trade qualification

Food Safety Supervisor Certification

Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Chef

Previous supervisory or leadership experience (hospitality/aged care highly regarded)

Excellent communication, leadership, and time‑management skills

Ability to stay calm, qualified, and solutions‑focused in busy kitchen environments

Understanding of Food Safety, WHS, infection control, and relevant legislation

Willingness to complete

Pre‑employment medical

Police Check

NDIS Worker Screening Check

Create Meaningful Experiences Through Food

If you are a talented chef who believes food plays a vital role in joy, wellbeing, and connection, this is your opportunity to make a profound impact across multiple communities.

Apply now to join Opal HealthCare as a Regional Relief Chef and bring warmth, excellence, and creativity to every plate you serve.

📌 Head Chef (Melbourne)
🏢 Opal HealthCare
📍 Melbourne