- Group Chef role with the opportunity to bring your own creative vision
- Fantastic opportunity to be a key player in a thriving, successful business
- Senior strategic position with growth potential
This position requires relocation, approximately 3 hours from Melbourne in Wine Country.
This respected group is seeking a personable Group Chef (Executive Chef) / Culinary Director to lead and elevate its multi-outlet operations, including a bistro, an upscale restaurant, and a new woodfire concept launching next year. Join a dynamic organization with big growth ambitions, a supportive senior management team, and the resources to make a meaningful impact.
About the Role
As Group Executive Chef, you’ll lead culinary operations across multiple venues, each with a distinct offering, as the group builds its reputation as a top dining destination. With plans for strategic growth and new openings, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the brand’s future while working with a dedicated, experienced senior management team.
Key aspects of the role include:
- Leadership and Team Development: Lead and inspire a talented kitchen team, including a mix of seasoned chefs and developing culinary talent. You’ll work closely with senior management to build a high-performance culture, mentor emerging leaders, and support staff retention and development. You will be a modern manager who leads through positive reinforcement, empathy, and positive influence across the business.
- Multi-Outlet Oversight: You’ll ensure seamless, high-quality service across all venues, coordinating operations and maintaining consistency. This is a chance to guide both established and new outlets, creating a unified quality experience across diverse dining formats.
- Strategic Growth & Development: The group is on a strong growth trajectory, with significant investment in expanding its culinary footprint. You’ll lead in launching the upcoming woodfire concept and future projects, working alongside a proactive senior team to bring these visions to life.
- Financial & Operational Excellence: Collaborate with the senior team to manage budgets, optimise costs, and achieve targets for labour, food costs, and revenue generation. This role calls for a chef who can balance creative culinary leadership with sound financial and operational management.
- Innovation & Culinary Vision: Drive seasonal menu planning, develop unique offerings, and lead culinary innovation across all venues. This is an opportunity to infuse creativity into each concept, working with fresh, local ingredients to craft a distinctive culinary experience.
The Offer
- Growth with a Visionary Team: Be part of a forward-thinking senior team that values creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. You’ll play a key role in shaping both the culinary direction and the organisation’s growth strategy.
- Competitive Compensation: An attractive package, including relocation support and housing options, to ensure you feel right at home.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a flexible, balanced schedule, supported by a team that values sustainable practices for both culinary excellence and personal well-being.
- Opportunity for Impact: This is a career-defining role where your leadership and vision will directly influence the group’s expansion and its reputation as a top dining destination.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate is a strategic culinary leader with experience overseeing multiple venues, a passion for growth, and a collaborative approach. You’re someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, adept at managing both the day-to-day and big-picture strategy.
Key Requirements
- Extensive Culinary Background: 10+ years in professional kitchens, including 3+ years in multi-outlet or executive roles.
- Collaborative, Empathetic Leadership: A collaborative, people-first manager skilled at team building, mentorship, and fostering an inclusive culture is one of the key “must haves”
- Business Acumen: Proven track record of managing budgets, controlling costs, and achieving profitability targets.
- Visionary Culinary Skills: A creative approach to menu development with a commitment to quality and sustainability.
- Compliance Proficiency: Understanding of WHS, HACCP, and food safety standards to ensure compliance across all kitchen operations.
This position requires location!
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