Lead the kitchen at one of Melbourne's most iconic riverside venues.
Set on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, Anglers Tavern is a high-volume, high-energy venue in Melbourne's Inner West.
With a strong reputation for outstanding food, functions, events and busy year-round trade, we're looking for an experienced Head Chef ready to take the reins.
This is an opportunity to step into a well-established venue, lead a strong kitchen team and make a real impact on food, people and commercial performance.
Opportunity
As Head Chef, you'll take ownership of the kitchen operation, from team leadership and menu execution through to food costs, labour and overall financial performance.
You'll work closely with the Venue Manager and Area Chef to deliver an exceptional food offering while building a high-performing, accountable and engaged kitchen team.
Responsibilities
Leading, developing and motivating the kitchen team
Driving food quality, consistency and presentation
Managing food costs, stock control, ordering and wastage
Rostering and managing labour costs
Maintaining high standards across busy service periods and functions
Ensuring food safety and kitchen compliance
Recruiting, training and retaining outstanding kitchen talent
Driving commercial performance and achieving financial targets
Creating a positive, accountable kitchen culture
About You
We're looking for a commercially minded Head Chef who thrives in a high-volume environment and knows how to balance people, food and profit.
You'll bring:
Minimum 2 years' experience in a high-volume venue
Strong knowledge of food costing, labour management and kitchen financials




Proven experience leading and developing kitchen teams
Excellent organisation and communication skills
A hands-on approach and passion for quality food
Experience managing busy functions and peak trading periods
Top3qualities
Leadership & accountability – You lead from the front, set clear expectations and take ownership of your kitchen.
Calmness under pressure – You stay composed during busy services and know how to keep your team focused and performing.
Commercial mindset – You understand the numbers behind a successful kitchen and have strong financial awareness across COGS, labour, stock and profitability.
What's on Offer?
Competitive salary + up to $20Kannual KPI bonus
Opportunity to lead one of Melbourne's most recognised riverside venues
Support from an experienced Venue Manager, Area Chef and Operations team
Career progression across 250+ Australian Venue Co. venues
Staff discounts across AVC venues
Training and development opportunities
Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives
The work you do will directly impact everyone of our customers and our aim is to ensure our employees are provided with the support and knowledge to exceed our customers' expectations.
Australian Venue Co. promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through programs like AVC Pride for LGBTQIA+ support, Her Hospo for empowering women, and a First Nations Committee for reconciliation.
We are committed to growing our understanding and engagement in diversity, equity and inclusion to build a more inclusive industry.
If your next step is to become a Duty Manager, Assistant Venue Manager or Venue Manager, we can support you on your career journey.
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📌 Head Chef | Anglers Tavern (Melbourne)
🏢 Open Door Pub Co.
📍 Melbourne