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 rapid-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

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

The chance to shape a new venue and its food from day one

A supportive team and room to grow within Ona

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📌 Head Chef (Melbourne)
🏢 ONA Coffee Melbourne
📍 Melbourne