Head Chef

About Fat Chef

Fat Chef is a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality group known for generous portions, premium meat programs, and vibrant family-style dining. Our Mernda venue is looking for an operational Head Chef to lead the kitchen team, maintain food quality standards, manage stock, and drive kitchen profitability.

The Role

As Head Chef at Fat Chef Mernda, you will have complete operational ownership of the kitchen. You will lead back-of-house operations, ensuring high food standards, tight cost controls, and seamless service execution during peak periods.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Quality Control

Lead, run, and step into pass control during busy breakfast, lunch, and dinner services.

Maintain consistent presentation, portion control, and food preparation standards across all shifts.

Manage stock control, ordering, par levels, supplier relations, and weekly stocktakes to minimize food waste.

Maintain food cost percentages (COGS) and labor cost targets in line with business budgets.

Team Leadership & Culture

Recruit, train, roster, and mentor kitchen staff (line cooks, prep staff, and kitchen hands).

Build an efficient, clean, and disciplined BOH culture built on communication and accountability.

Manage weekly rosters to match trading demand while controlling labor spend.

Compliance & Hygiene

Maintain food safety standards, Food Safety Supervisor certifications, and HACCP compliance.

Ensure daily cleanliness, equipment maintenance logs, and kitchen sanitation schedules are rigorously met.

What We Are Looking For

Experience: 3+ years in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef role within a high-volume venue or steakhouse/buffet/casual dining background.

Trade Qualified: Cert III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent experience).

Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of food costing, labor percentage management, and inventory control systems.

Leadership: Calm under pressure during peak rushes, strong delegation skills, and a "lead-by-example" work ethic.

Availability: Full availability across weekdays, evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Pay: $80,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Free food
• Visa sponsorship

Work Location: In person