Job Description

Client Profile

This established hospitality group is preparing to launch a recent pub in Melbourne's inner north, with a robust focus on creating a genuine neighbourhood venue that reflects its local community. The business is committed to delivering quality, approachable hospitality and is seeking an experienced Head Chef to play an integral role in shaping the food identity of this exciting new opening.

Job Description

Reporting to an accomplished Executive Chef, the Head Chef will take ownership of the day-to-day kitchen operation while enjoying considerable autonomy across menu development, recruitment and operational systems. This is a hands-on leadership position suited to a chef who enjoys being on the tools and wants to build a strong, accessible pub offering from the ground up.

The successful candidate will initially join another venue within the group in November or December 2026, supporting summer events while developing the new venue's menu, recruiting the kitchen team and preparing operational systems ahead of the anticipated February 2027 opening.

- Develop a clean, approachable and elevated modern Australian bistro and pub menu
- Recruit, develop and lead the kitchen team for the new venue
- Establish effective ordering, kitchen procedures and operational systems
- Create compelling weeknight specials and food offers that encourage repeat local trade
- Work independently while maintaining a collaborative relationship with the Executive Chef

Candidate Profile





The ideal candidate will be an established Head Chef or highly experienced senior kitchen leader with the confidence and technical capability to operate independently. They will understand the balance required in a successful community pub: food must be thoughtful and well executed without becoming overly complicated or disconnected from the neighbourhood.

This role will particularly suit a chef who values autonomy and ownership rather than viewing the position purely as a pathway to a more senior executive role.

- Proven experience in a Head Chef or comparable senior kitchen leadership position
- Strong understanding of modern Australian pub, bistro and neighbourhood dining
- Demonstrated menu development skills with a commercial and approachable cooking style
- Confidence recruiting teams and establishing kitchen systems for a new operation
- A hands-on leadership style and willingness to remain actively involved in service and preparation

Offer

This is an opportunity to take meaningful ownership of a new kitchen and help establish the food identity of a genuine inner-north community pub, while retaining the support and direction of an experienced Executive Chef.

To learn more about this role, submit your CV or contact Lee Thompson via for a confidential discussion.

By applying to this role, you are agreeing to the terms set out in Hastings People's privacy policy available at the Hastings People website.

📌 Head Chef, Modern Australian Pub, Melbourne
🏢 Hastings People
📍 Melbourne