Head Chef – Italian Kitchen | Daytime Only

Oltre Alimentari e Cucina | Prahran Market

Classic Italian food. A small kitchen. Clear standards.

We’re looking for a Head Chef who combines strong Italian cooking fundamentals with the ability to lead calmly and take responsibility for the whole kitchen.

This is an active cooking role. You’ll lead from the bench, organise preparation, maintain consistency through service and keep the team working to transparent standards.

The details

- Employment: Full time
- Salary: $73,000–$83,000 per year + super, depending on experience
- Roster: Five days per week, rostered across Monday–Sunday, with two days off
- Hours: Daytime shifts only
- Location: Prahran Market, Melbourne

Your responsibility

- Deliver classic Italian food with consistent flavour, presentation and portions.
- Plan preparation so the kitchen starts service organised and ready.
- Lead service with clear communication and sound judgement under pressure.
- Manage ordering, stock, recipe costing, portion control and waste.
- Plan kitchen staffing around preparation needs and trade.
- Train the team, give practical feedback and follow through on standards.
- Maintain food safety, storage, cleanliness and a thorough clean-down.
- Develop seasonal dishes and specials that fit Oltre’s direction and make commercial sense.

What you bring

You have recent experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef, with direct responsibility for preparation, service and a kitchen team.

We’re looking for

- Strong Italian cooking fundamentals, particularly pasta,



sauces and seasonal ingredients.
- Experience running a busy service while maintaining quality.
- Practical knowledge of food costs, ordering and stock management.
- The ability to explain, demonstrate and uphold standards respectfully.
- Reliable attendance, good planning and clear communication.

An experienced Sous Chef ready to take full kitchen responsibility will be considered. You should already be able to demonstrate leadership in your current or recent work.

What the role offers A five-day daytime roster, direct collaboration with the owner and clear responsibility for kitchen performance.

You’ll have scope to contribute to the menu and improve kitchen systems. It’s a small operation where your contribution is visible and your judgement matters.

We value respectful leadership, an organised kitchen and quality food every day.

How to apply

Send your CV and short answers to these four questions:

- What is your most recent venue and role, and how many kitchen staff did you lead?
- What Italian dishes or sections have you personally been responsible for?
- What is one improvement you made to food consistency, kitchen organisation or costs? What changed?
- What is your earliest start date, and are you available for a five-day roster that includes weekends?

Brief, specific answers are enough. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial conversation.

Pay: $66,700.00 – $106,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring program
- Free drinks
- Free food

Work Location: In person

📌 Head Chef – Italian Kitchen | Daytime Only (South Yarra)
🏢 Oltre Alimentari e Cucina
📍 South Yarra