Job Description
Pay: A$80,****** per year
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Job Post Summary
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Pay: A$80,****** per year
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Job Description
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Head Chef
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The Perch Restaurant, Winery & Gardens – Lavers Hill, Victoria
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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.
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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.
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Key Responsibilities
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Organise and direct the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food to ensure consistently high standards.
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Plan and develop seasonal menus in consultation with management, taking into consideration customer preferences, seasonal availability, and business objectives.
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Estimate food requirements, food and labour costs, and assist in managing kitchen budgets.
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Arrange the purchasing, receiving, and storage of food supplies while maintaining effective stock control procedures.
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Monitor food quality, portion control, presentation standards,



and kitchen productivity.
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Demonstrate cooking techniques and advise kitchen staff on food preparation and presentation methods.
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Select, train, supervise, and support chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
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Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, workplace health and safety, and licensing requirements.
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Work collaboratively with the Restaurant Manager and front-of-house team to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
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Assist in planning menus for weddings, private functions, corporate events, and group bookings.
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Foster strong relationships with local growers, farmers, and suppliers.
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Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and perform other duties reasonably assigned by management.
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About You
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Experience
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Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a senior commercial kitchen, preferably as a Head Chef or Sous Chef.
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Demonstrated experience supervising kitchen staff and managing daily kitchen operations.
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Experience in menu planning, food costing, purchasing, inventory management, and stock control.
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Strong understanding of food safety standards and workplace compliance.
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Experience working with seasonal and locally sourced produce is highly regarded.
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Qualifications
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Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).
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Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
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First Aid Certificate (desirable).
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Skills
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Strong leadership and people-management skills.
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Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
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Strong understanding of food costing, budgeting, and inventory management.
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Creative approach to menu development and presentation.
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Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
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Strong commitment to quality, consistency, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction.
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Remuneration & Benefits
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Base Salary: AUD $80,000 per annum
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Employee discounts
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Housing provided
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Salary packaging opportunities
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Visa sponsorship available for suitable candidates
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Overtime pay
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Penalty rates
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Tips
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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.
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Job Type: Full time
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Schedule:
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8-hour shift
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Shift work
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Work Location: In person
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Benefits:
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Employee discount
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Free food
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Housing provided
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Salary packaging
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Visa sponsorship
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Work Location: In person

📌 Head Chef (Victoria)
🏢 Davison Kaplan
📍 Victoria