HEAD CHEF | DARLING CAFE | DARLING GROUP – SOUTH YARRA

The Head Chef is responsible for the planning, preparation and production of all food products at the venue. Key responsibilities include maximising profitable food sales with a focus on customer satisfaction, producing and maintaining superior standards of food within the controlled cost parameters, developing and training team members, and thereby contributing to the profitability, success and growth of the food business. The Head Chef is also responsible for leading and managing a productive kitchen team.

About the Venue

Darling Cafe is a much-loved South Yarra venue and part of Darling Group, a leading multi-venue hospitality company. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and a loyal local following, it’s a busy, guest-focused kitchen where fresh produce, bold flavours and consistent execution come first.

Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step up

Wok experience, with the confidence to run a busy wok station at pace

Familiarity with South East Asian pantry and cooking styles and the creativity to develop a seasonal, modern Australian brunch menu

Confident leadership, with a passion for developing people

Commitment to food safety, HACCP and a clean, organised kitchen

Key responsibilities

Accountability for the overall food operation in the venue

Creating a positive venue experience, maintaining high standards in food operations and ensuring the venue is fully operational and compliant

Ensuring an exceptional and consistent level of service in a clean and professional environment





Developing an innovative and evolving approach to operations aimed at improving the venues profitability

Maintaining and improving all food KPI's, COGs & Labour to provide a profitable operation

Working with the venue management team and managing all food services to ensure that all customers are served to the highest standards and customer feedback is regularly received and reviewed

Creative menu writing within Darling Group guidelines

Running the pass; maintaining clear communication with colleagues and a high standard of food

Effective rostering and accurate forecasting to ensure staff budgets and labour costs are within budget

About you

Qualified Chef or has at least 3 years' experience working at management level within a high-volume relevant F&B; establishment

High level of energy, organisation, communication, leadership and teamwork skills

Capable user of Microsoft Word and Excel including preparing reports, managing costings, etc.

Genuine friendly, flexible and positive 'can-do' attitude

Experience in leading and managing busy teams and building positive and creative work environments

Energetic and versatile with demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to work under pressure, manage competing demands and respond effectively to challenges

Ability to manage time, set priorities, plan and organise own week and that of team

Honest, reliable, creative and willing to go above and beyond when necessary

The role requires a hands-on involvement and includes lifting and the ability to sustain a physically active role

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📌 HEAD CHEF | DARLING CAFE | DARLING GROUP – SOUTH YARRA (Melbourne)
🏢 Darling Group
📍 Melbourne