Pay: A$80,000.00 per year

Job Post Summary

Pay: A$80,000.00 per year

Job Description

Head Chef

The Perch Restaurant, Winery & Gardens – Lavers Hill, Victoria

The Perch Restaurant, Winery & Gardens is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead and coordinate the daily operations of our kitchen. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional who is passionate about producing exceptional food, leading a high-performing kitchen team, and maintaining high standards of food quality, kitchen operations, and food safety compliance.

Located in the heart of the Great Ocean Road region, The Perch Restaurant, Winery & Gardens offers a unique dining experience to locals, tourists, group bookings, weddings, and special event guests. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering exceptional cuisine while ensuring the efficient operation of the kitchen and supporting the continued growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

1. Organise and direct the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food to ensure consistently high standards.
2. Plan and develop seasonal menus in consultation with management, taking into consideration customer preferences, seasonal availability, and business objectives.
3. Estimate food requirements, food and labour costs, and assist in managing kitchen budgets.
4. Arrange the purchasing, receiving, and storage of food supplies while maintaining effective stock control procedures.
5. Monitor food quality, portion control, presentation standards, and kitchen productivity.
6. Demonstrate cooking techniques and advise kitchen staff on food preparation and presentation methods.
7. Select, train, supervise, and support chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
8. Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, workplace health and safety, and licensing requirements.
9. Work collaboratively with the Restaurant Manager and front-of-house team to deliver an outstanding guest experience.




10. Assist in planning menus for weddings, private functions, corporate events, and group bookings.
11. Foster strong relationships with local growers, farmers, and suppliers.
12. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and perform other duties reasonably assigned by management.

About You

Experience

1. Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a senior commercial kitchen, preferably as a Head Chef or Sous Chef.
2. Demonstrated experience supervising kitchen staff and managing daily kitchen operations.
3. Experience in menu planning, food costing, purchasing, inventory management, and stock control.
4. Solid understanding of food safety standards and workplace compliance.
5. Experience working with seasonal and locally sourced produce is highly regarded.

Qualifications

1. Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).
2. Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
3. First Aid Certificate (desirable).

Skills

1. Strong leadership and people-management skills.
2. Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
3. Strong understanding of food costing, budgeting, and inventory management.
4. Creative approach to menu development and presentation.
5. Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
6. Strong commitment to quality, consistency, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction.

Remuneration & Benefits

1. Base Salary: AUD $80,000 per annum
2. Employee discounts
3. Housing provided
4. Salary packaging opportunities
5. Visa sponsorship available for suitable candidates
6. Overtime pay
7. Penalty rates
8. Tips

This is a full-time position based in Lavers Hill, Victoria, offering a unique opportunity to join a growing hospitality business in one of Australia's most scenic regions.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

1. 8-hour shift
2. Shift work

Work Location: In person

Benefits:

1. Employee discount
2. Free food
3. Housing provided
4. Salary packaging
5. Visa sponsorship

Work Location: In person

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📌 Head Chef (Lavers Hill)
🏢 Davison Kaplan
📍 Lavers Hill