- Develop menus and service plans suited to the cruise offering, guest numbers, event style and practical needs of preparing and serving food aboard a vessel.
- Forecast ingredients and kitchen supplies for upcoming services, place orders with suppliers, and manage stock to reduce shortages and unnecessary waste.
- Prepare ingredients and cook dishes to the required standard, coordinating preparation and service so meals are ready at the right time for each cruise.
- Check ingredients, prepared food and finished dishes throughout service to maintain consistent quality, portioning, flavour and presentation.
- Adapt kitchen preparation to the vessel’s available facilities, storage and service schedule, while keeping work areas organised and operationally ready.
- Coordinate with cruise managers, front-of-house staff and other kitchen team members about booking requirements, service timing, dietary requests and any preparation issues.
- Guide kitchen staff on recipes, preparation methods and service expectations, and assist with onboarding or training where required.
- Maintain safe food handling, cleaning and storage practices, and ensure kitchen staff follow applicable hygiene and food safety requirements.
- Monitor ingredient usage and food costs, and adjust preparation quantities and ordering in line with bookings and business needs.
- Store, chill, freeze or preserve food appropriately when required to maintain food quality and minimise spoilage.
- Competitive salary package, commensurate with skills and experience.
- Work in a distinctive setting aboard Melbourne River Cruises’ vessels on the Yarra River.
- Take part in a varied food service operation, supporting dining cruises and private events.
- Contribute to menu planning and the delivery of memorable onboard dining experiences.
- Work closely with a team across kitchen, cruise operations and guest service.
- Build experience in a fast-paced hospitality environment with changing menus, guest numbers and event requirements.

MELBOURNE CRUISERS PTY LTD

- Develop menus and service plans suited to the cruise offering, guest numbers, event style and practical needs of preparing and serving food aboard a vessel.
- Forecast ingredients and kitchen supplies for upcoming services, place orders with suppliers, and manage stock to reduce shortages and unnecessary waste.




- Prepare ingredients and cook dishes to the required standard, coordinating preparation and service so meals are ready at the right time for each cruise.
- Check ingredients, prepared food and finished dishes throughout service to maintain consistent quality, portioning, flavour and presentation.
- Adapt kitchen preparation to the vessel’s available facilities, storage and service schedule, while keeping work areas organised and operationally ready.
- Coordinate with cruise managers, front-of-house staff and other kitchen team members about booking requirements, service timing, dietary requests and any preparation issues.
- Guide kitchen staff on recipes, preparation methods and service expectations, and assist with onboarding or training where required.
- Maintain safe food handling, cleaning and storage practices, and ensure kitchen staff follow applicable hygiene and food safety requirements.
- Monitor ingredient usage and food costs, and adjust preparation quantities and ordering in line with bookings and business needs.
- Store, chill, freeze or preserve food appropriately when required to maintain food quality and minimise spoilage.

Benefits

- Competitive salary package, commensurate with skills and experience.
- Work in a distinctive setting aboard Melbourne River Cruises’ vessels on the Yarra River.
- Take part in a diverse food service operation, supporting dining cruises and private events.
- Contribute to menu planning and the delivery of memorable onboard dining experiences.
- Work closely with a team across kitchen, cruise operations and guest service.
- Build experience in a fast-paced hospitality environment with changing menus, guest numbers and event requirements.

Task & responsibilities

- Translate each cruise itinerary and event brief into a practical kitchen plan, setting menus, preparation schedules and serving quantities around the vessel’s operating timetable.




- Review guest bookings and event requirements before service, then organise ingredients and kitchen supplies to match expected passenger numbers and menu selections.
- Oversee the flow of work in the galley, preparing and finishing dishes so meals are ready for onboard service at the required time.
- Assess ingredients on delivery and during storage, and check completed meals before they leave the kitchen for consistency and presentation.
- Adjust preparation methods and storage arrangements to suit the space, equipment and service conditions aboard the vessel.
- Liaise with cruise operations and guest service teams to coordinate meal timing, dietary requests, last-minute booking changes and any issues affecting food service.
- Set clear kitchen routines for preparation, cleaning and handover, and coach team members in the methods used for the cruise menu.
- Keep food handling, temperature control, cleaning and storage practices aligned with food safety requirements throughout each service.
- Track ingredient use and kitchen requirements across bookings, refining order quantities and preparation plans to manage costs and limit food waste.
- Arrange suitable chilling, freezing and preservation of ingredients and prepared items to maintain quality between services.

Qualification & experience

- Certificate III or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, a Diploma in a relevant culinary field, or an equivalent overseas qualification.
- At least 2-3 years of full-time relevant experience as a Chef in a professional kitchen.
- Demonstrated experience planning and delivering food service for restaurants, functions, events or other high-volume services.
- Strong practical skills in food preparation, cooking, menu execution, kitchen coordination and food safety.
- Ability to organise work around service schedules, manage ingredients and supplies, and maintain consistent food quality.
- Experience guiding or training kitchen staff is an advantage.

About Company

Melbourne River Cruises offers sightseeing and dining experiences along Melbourne’s Yarra River, including city and waterfront cruises, onboard lunch, dinner and brunch cruises, and private events. The company gives guests a distinctive way to experience Melbourne from the water.

Work Type: Full time

Salary: $75000-85000

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Chef (Melbourne)
🏢 MELBOURNE CRUISERS
📍 Melbourne