Job Description
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 great 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.
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Opportunity
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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.
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Responsibilities
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Leading, developing and motivating the kitchen team
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Driving food quality, consistency and presentation
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Managing food costs, stock control, ordering and wastage
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Rostering and managing labour costs
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Maintaining high standards across busy service periods and functions
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Ensuring food safety and kitchen compliance
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Recruiting, training and retaining great kitchen talent
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Driving commercial performance and achieving financial targets
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Creating a positive, accountable kitchen culture
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About You
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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:
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Minimum 2 years' experience in a high-volume venue
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Strong knowledge of food costing, labour management and kitchen financials
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Proven experience leading and developing kitchen teams
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Excellent organisation and communication skills
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A hands-on approach and passion for quality food
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Experience managing busy functions and peak trading periods
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Top3qualities
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Leadership & accountability – You lead from the front, set clear expectations and take ownership of your kitchen.
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Calmness under pressure – You stay composed during busy services and know how to keep your team focused and performing.
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Commercial mindset – You understand the numbers behind a successful kitchen and have strong financial awareness across COGS, labour, stock and profitability.
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What's on Offer?
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Competitive salary + up to $20Kannual KPI bonus
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Prospect to lead one of Melbourne's most recognised riverside venues
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Support from an experienced Venue Manager, Area Chef and Operations team
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Career progression across 250+ Australian Venue Co. venues
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Staff discounts across AVC venues
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Training and development opportunities
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Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives
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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.
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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.
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If your next step is to become a Duty Manager, Assistant Venue Manager or Venue Manager, we can support you on your career journey.

📌 Head Chef | Anglers Tavern (Victoria)
🏢 Open Door Pub Co.
📍 Victoria