Ona Kensington is a brand-new café by one of Australia leading speciality coffee roasters with years of experience running cafes opening early 2027. We're opening in a fast-growing office building surrounded by brand new apartments. We'll be serving quick Asian fusion grab-and-go to a growing weekday crowd.
About the role
You'll run all kitchen operations and own the kitchen's results. Working with the Venue Manager, you'll set a clear food directions, control cogs and wastages, create seasonal menus and build a reliable, high-performing team. As the building fills up, the kitchen will need to grow with it.
Key responsibilities
- Create and refine seasonal Asian fusion menus with the Venue Manager, built for speed, consistency and grab-and-go
- Develop auxiliary offering program
- Work with the Head Barista on a food and coffee offer that improves the customer experience
- Keep up with food trends and find new ways to grow sales
- Cater functions when needed, and check every plate before it goes out
- Keep kitchen COGS under 25% and manage wages, budgets, wastage and gross margin targets
- Build and maintain spreadsheets, costings,
par levels and prep systems that keep the kitchen running smoothly
- Manage stock, ordering and supplier relationships
- Recruit, train, lead and motivate the kitchen team
- Make sure all kitchen policies, food safety, sanitation and nutrition rules are followed
About you
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a similar senior kitchen role
- Experience in high-volume or grab-and-go settings is a big plus
- Confident with costings and spreadsheets, and someone who builds systems instead of working around them
- A record of hitting COGS and labour targets
- Interest in Asian flavours and modern café food
- Strong knowledge of cooking methods, kitchen equipment and best practice
- Current HACCP/Food Safety certification
- A clear communicator and team player who stays calm and skilled under pressure
- A real passion for coffee and hospitality
Benefits
- $85k–$95k base plus super, depending on experience
- The chance to shape a new venue and its food from day one
- Day trade only, no evenings
- A supportive team and room to grow within Ona
- Sponsorship to the right candidate
📌 Head Chef (Kensington)
🏢 ONA Coffee Melbourne
📍 Kensington
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