Chef – Full Time

Leongatha RSL Sub Branch Inc, trading as Leongatha RSL, is a well-established community club and hospitality venue in South Gippsland. It is known for its bistro dining, café and function services. We are looking for a skilled and experienced Chef to join our kitchen team full time.

The successful candidate will plan and direct the preparation and cooking of food, and will be responsible for menu development and kitchen output. They will lead the kitchen team to deliver high-quality meals across our bistro, daily specials and functions, and maintain food safety and operational standards.

This role suits an experienced person who can lead with confidence in a busy full-service kitchen that operates seven days a week.

Key Responsibilities

Menu Planning and Development

- Plan and design menus with management, including à la carte, daily specials, seniors and kids menus, and function menus.
- Estimate food and labour costs, set portion sizes and control kitchen output to meet budget and profitability targets.
- Develop new dishes and adjust menus based on customer preferences, seasonal produce and expected customer numbers.

Food Preparation and Cooking

- Plan, organise and direct food preparation and cooking to set recipes and presentation standards.
- Prepare and cook menu items to a high standard for bistro service and functions, and demonstrate cooking techniques to kitchen staff.
- Make sure meals are consistently prepared to meet quality standards and customer expectations.

Kitchen Operations and Cost Control

- Oversee daily kitchen operations, including production schedules, stock rotation and food storage.
- Order supplies, monitor stock levels and minimise wastage to control costs.
- Check deliveries for quantity and quality, and keep production and operational records.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is used efficiently and works properly,



and arrange repairs or replacements when needed.

Quality Control

- Maintain high standards of food quality, portion control and presentation.
- Discuss food preparation and menu issues with management and staff, and resolve operational problems as they arise.

Team Leadership and Training

- Select, supervise, train and coordinate cooks, kitchen hands and other kitchen staff.
- Direct the kitchen team so that bistro and function service runs smoothly and efficiently.

Food Safety and Hygiene

- Maintain a clean and organised kitchen.
- Explain and enforce food safety standards, hygiene practices and workplace health and safety regulations.

Skills and Qualifications

- Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery, or an equivalent qualification.
- At least 1 year of relevant experience as a Chef in a commercial kitchen.
- Demonstrated experience in menu planning, food costing and kitchen supervision.
- Strong understanding of food safety standards and kitchen hygiene practices.
- Ability to work efficiently and lead in a fast-paced, full-service hospitality environment.
- Strong teamwork, organisational and communication skills.

Work Schedule The position requires flexibility to work a rotating roster, including evenings, weekends and public holidays, depending on operational needs. Remuneration An annual salary between $75,000 and $85,000 plus superannuation, depending on skills and experience.

About the Business

Leongatha RSL has served the South Gippsland community since 1918. It is located on the corner of Smith Street and Michael Place, Leongatha. The venue has a bistro serving lunch and dinner, the Red Poppy Café, bars, and a function and events space, and it is open seven days a week. We are committed to high-quality food and service in a welcoming environment. We maintain professional kitchen standards and offer a supportive workplace where staff can build their skills."

Pay: $75,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Chef (Full Time) (Leongatha)
🏢 Leongatha RSL Sub Branch
📍 Leongatha