Head Chef

Pipers By The Lake, a long-standing Ballarat Restaurant & Cafe, is looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team.

We're seeking a hands-on leader with a passion for quality food, and the ability to confidently deliver outstanding service in a busy restaurant & cafe. If you're driven to work with a strong team, create seasonal menus, and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you'll lead all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, smooth daily operations, and a positive team culture.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, mentoring and further developing the kitchen team
• Maintaining exceptional food quality and consistency
• Managing food costs, stock control and ordering
• Ensuring Food Safety and OH&S compliance
• Developing seasonal menus and daily specials
• Creating efficient rosters and supporting staff training
• Working closely with venue management to improve operations and grow the business
• Contributing to the development of our function and events offering

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and roster with genuine work-life balance

• The opportunity to lead a committed and motivated team

• Supportive venue management and experienced leadership

• Creative input into seasonal menus and specials

• The chance to shape the future of our food and events offering

About You

You'll be an experienced Head Chef who brings:

• Proven experience leading high-volume kitchen operations
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• A hands-on approach and calm under pressure
• Sound knowledge of food cost control, labour management, stock systems and OH&S
• A passion for developing people and improving kitchen operations
• A commitment to delivering consistently high standards

Experience in a high-volume hospitality venue will be highly regarded.

If you're looking for a role where your ideas are valued, your team is supported, and you can make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this position. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.