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 current 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 contemporary 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 professional under pressure
A real passion for coffee and hospitality
Benefits
$85k–$95k base plus super, depending on experience
The chance to shape a current 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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