Head Chef

About us

Panorama Retreat & Resort is a 65-room property set in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, currently undergoing an exciting repositioning as the region's premier destination for weddings, corporate conferences and events. It is a significant investment in the property and in the region, and the kitchen sits at the center of it. Our food philosophy is built on shared, grazing-style dining that showcases the best seasonal produce from the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, generous, produce-led and designed to bring people together around a table.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a food offering from the ground up rather than inherit one. The successful candidate will be defining what the property tastes like as it steps into its next chapter, with genuine input into menus, suppliers, kitchen systems and the team we build around them.

About the role

Redhill Hospitality is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the culinary team at Panorama Retreat & Resort in Kalorama. The role commences on a part-time basis and is primarily weekday focused, supporting conferences, corporate groups and in-house dining, with occasional weekend work required around weddings and major events. Advance notice of weekend commitments is provided wherever possible, and rosters are built around a genuine respect for time off.

Importantly, this is a growth role. As the repositioning gains momentum and event volumes build, we anticipate the position moving quickly to full time, with the Head Chef leading an expanding brigade and taking on broader responsibility for the property's food and beverage direction. We are looking for someone who wants to grow with the business, not simply fill a roster line.

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality and creating memorable dining experiences for our guests. This role is pivotal to establishing our reputation for culinary excellence and operational efficiency as the property repositions.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, develop and execute innovative shared and grazing-style menus that reflect seasonal Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges produce whilst establishing our signature style
• Deliver consistent, high-quality food across weddings, conferences, events and in-house dining
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation
• Build, manage and mentor the kitchen team, including recruitment, training and performance management, as the brigade grows
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and health regulations, ensuring full compliance with all relevant standards
• Control food costs and manage inventory efficiently, developing relationships with local growers and suppliers to source quality ingredients at competitive prices
• Contribute to event menu development and costing alongside the sales and events team
• Monitor kitchen performance and implement continuous improvements to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication and exceptional guest service delivery
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure proper maintenance schedules are followed

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5+ years of professional cooking experience in a busy kitchen environment, with at least 2 years in a head chef or senior chef role
• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent demonstrated experience and proven expertise
• Experience in weddings, events or conference catering, or a strong appetite to move into it
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to build and develop a team from a small base
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene practices and health and safety standards relevant to hospitality
• Proficiency in menu planning, recipe development and cost control
• Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding culinary creativity and a genuine interest in local, seasonal produce
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with kitchen management systems and stock control practices
• Current Food Safety Supervisor certification or willingness to obtain it

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration reflective of your experience and qualifications
• A clear pathway to a full-time leadership position as the property grows
• Primarily weekday hours with predictable, well-communicated weekend event work
• Real creative ownership of a food offering at the point of relaunch
• Professional development and training opportunities to enhance your culinary skills and knowledge
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that values teamwork and respect
• The chance to work with exceptional local produce in one of Victoria's most beautiful settings
• Staff discount and hospitality benefits

Apply now

If you are an experienced Head Chef ready to make your mark and lead a kitchen through an exciting period of growth, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, references and a brief cover letter outlining your culinary philosophy and relevant experience. Apply today to join Redhill Hospitality and be part of the next chapter at Panorama Retreat & Resort.