Head Chef

Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000 + Monthly Bonus

Placed.au is looking for a full-time Head Chef in Horsham, Victoria, for our client to lead the kitchen team. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to take ownership of a dynamic kitchen serving high-volume meals for daily diners, events, and functions.

Your Responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality, high-volume food for daily diners and events.
• Review and rotate menus regularly based on seasonal availability and food trends.
• Ensure appealing plate presentation and timely food service.
• Cook and prepare meals in line with food safety and WHS legislation.
• Prepare daily catering requirements according to bookings.
• Be present for events/functions to oversee food preparation and service.
• Monitor and manage dietary requirements.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to plan weekly menus.
• Manage procurement of ingredients and review event bookings.
• Prepare catering quotes and invoices for events.
• Work with the Finance Officer on catering cost estimates and budgets.
• Coordinate event bookings with Reception and Maître d'.

• Manage, mentor, and train the kitchen team to uphold service standards.
• Assign tasks and develop staff rosters (with the Administration Officer).
• Provide staff feedback to support development.
• Ensure catering staff understand their roles and expectations.

• Oversee stock control and maintain appropriate supply levels.
• Minimise food wastage through careful supervision.
• Ensure hygienic food storage and inventory management.
• Maintain equipment and coordinate servicing as needed.
• Manage catering supplies for all staff kitchen areas.
• Regularly evaluate vendor performance and cost competitiveness.

• Comply with HACCP and ensure a clean, hygienic kitchen environment.
• Monitor and enforce WH&S guidelines, food safety, and hygiene standards.
• Ensure all team members follow safe work practices.
• Participate in end-of-shift kitchen cleaning and maintain your own station.

• Cert IV in Commercial Cookery (minimum requirement)
• At least 5 years of experience in a busy kitchen + 2 years as Head Chef
• Proven ability to lead and manage a kitchen team
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and commercial kitchen operations
• Excellent communication, time management, and leadership skills
• A cool head under pressure and a hands-on attitude