We’re looking for a creative and passionate Head Chef who loves food, thrives on new ideas and wants to have a genuine influence on our kitchen and food offering. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining cooking and kitchen leadership with the opportunity to develop new dishes, experiment with flavours, work with local produce and contribute to the ongoing evolution of our menus and dining experiences.
You’ll work closely with the Venue & Experience Manager and the kitchen & hospitality team to deliver consistently great food while bringing fresh ideas, creativity and innovation to the table. This role is perfect for a Head Chef who is ready to step beyond simply following recipes and wants the opportunity to create, influence and make their mark.
Key Responsibilities
Food, Menu Development & Innovation
- Bring creativity and fresh ideas to our food offering
- Develop new dishes, specials and seasonal menu concepts
- Experiment with flavours, ingredients and different cooking techniques
- Help shape and evolve our menus in line with customer trends and feedback
- Make the most of local and seasonal produce
- Work collaboratively with the Venue & Experience Manager to develop exciting food experiences and events
- Keep up to date with food trends and identify opportunities to introduce new ideas
- Ensure our food offering reflects the personality and unique character of Last St
Kitchen Leadership & Operations
- Lead kitchen service periods and ensure smooth, efficient operations
- Be a hands-on leader who is actively involved in cooking and service
- Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency
- Ensure dishes are prepared to agreed recipes and business standards
- Take responsibility for kitchen leadership
- Support the ongoing improvement of kitchen systems, processes and ways of working
Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate and support the kitchen team during service
- Create a positive, collaborative and professional kitchen culture
- Support the training, development and mentoring of kitchen team members
- Share your knowledge, skills and passion for food with the team
- Lead by example and set high standards for quality, presentation and service
Food Preparation & Service
- Be actively involved in food preparation, cooking and service
- Ensure food is prepared and delivered to a consistently high standard
- Monitor portion control and presentation
- Ensure timely delivery of orders
- Minimise food waste and identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency
Stock, Cost & Suppliers
- Lead kitchen stock control, ordering and stock rotation
- Work with suppliers to source quality ingredients
- Explore new and interesting local produce and suppliers
- Assist with food cost management and portion control
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve profitability
Food Safety & Compliance
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
- Ensure appropriate food handling, storage and labelling processes are followed
- Support compliance with food safety legislation and business requirements
- Maintain a clean, organised and safe kitchen environment
- Work with the Venue & Experience Manager to ensure kitchen compliance requirements are met
Last St is a family-owned artisan distillery and brewery, located in Beechworth, regional Victoria. Our mission is to create flavourful drinks and experiences worth sharing. We have made our home in the historic brewery and lovingly restored it to its former glory, where as well as production we now host tours, tastings and dining experiences for thousands of visitors each week.
