Job Description
Ripe Sassafras is looking for an experienced, motivated Full-Time Chef to join our kitchen team and work closely with our Head Chef as we take this much-loved Hills venue into its next chapter.
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If you're a chef who loves quality food, thrives in a busy kitchen and wants a role with stability, creative input and genuine work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.
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Ripe Sassafras is looking for an experienced, motivated Full-Time Chef to join our kitchen team and work closely with our Head Chef as we take this much-loved Hills venue into its next chapter.
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If you're a chef who loves quality food, thrives in a busy kitchen and wants a role with stability, creative input and genuine work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you.
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Why join Ripe?
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Secure full-time role with consistent, predominantly daytime hours
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Competitive salary and conditions for the right candidate
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Genuine work-life balance
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Creative input into menus, specials and the evolution of Ripe's food offering
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Supportive, professional and values-driven team
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Involvement in special evening dining events
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About Ripe
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Ripe is a well-established destination café-restaurant in Sassafras, in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, just 45 minutes from Melbourne.
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For more than 20 years, Ripe has been part of the local hospitality landscape, serving a quality à la carte breakfast and lunch menu alongside seasonal specials, house‐made cakes and produce‐driven dishes.
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We care about where our food comes from and how our kitchen operates. We champion local produce, ethical suppliers and inclusive menu design, including thoughtful vegan and gluten‐free options.
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Our culture is built around four simple values:
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Quality. Fun. Ethical. Creative.
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About the Role
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This is an important role within our kitchen team, supporting and reporting directly to our Head Chef.
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You'll be hands‐on in a busy breakfast and lunch kitchen while helping maintain the food quality, consistency and kitchen standards Ripe is known for.
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You'll also have the opportunity to contribute ideas, work with seasonal produce and play a part in shaping the next phase of Ripe's food identity.
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Your role will include:
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Preparing and delivering high‐quality dishes during busy service
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Supporting the Head Chef with day‐to‐day kitchen operations
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Maintaining excellent standards of presentation, consistency and food safety
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Contributing ideas for seasonal dishes, specials and menu development
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Working collaboratively with the wider kitchen and front‐of‐house team
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Helping create a positive, organised and enjoyable kitchen setting
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About You
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We're looking for someone who is reliable, capable, creative and genuinely enjoys being part of a team.
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You'll be comfortable working at pace, take pride in your food and understand that a great kitchen is built on consistency, communication and teamwork.
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Essential Criteria
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You will ideally have:
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Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
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Around 5 years' experience working as a chef
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Strong practical cooking skills and demonstrated consistency
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Experience working in a fast‐paced commercial kitchen
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Excellent communication and teamwork skills
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Proficiency in English
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Current Australian working rights
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Current Police Check
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While experience is significant, we're also open to chefs with fewer years behind them who demonstrate strong ability, initiative, drive and a genuine desire to grow.
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The Right Fit
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This role would suit a chef who wants more than simply another kitchen job.
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We're looking for someone who wants to become part of a stable team, take pride in what they produce and contribute to a venue that continues to evolve while staying true to what has made Ripe special for more than two decades.
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If you're passionate about good food, great hospitality and being part of a positive kitchen culture, we'd love to meet you.
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📌 Chef (Victoria)
🏢 Ripe Australian Produce
📍 Victoria