Melrose Restaurant & Rooftop Bar is seeking a talented, experienced, and commercially minded Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in the heart of Bulimba.
Melrose is a vibrant, high-energy venue recognised for elevated dining, premium cocktails, rooftop atmosphere, and exceptional guest experiences. We are looking for a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to quality, creativity, team development, and operational excellence.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will lead all kitchen operations, drive food quality and consistency, manage food and labour costs, develop menus, and inspire a high-performing team.
You will be supported by an established kitchen brigade, including a Sous Chef and Chef de Partie team, allowing you to focus on leadership, team development, menu innovation, operational excellence, and business performance.
This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Head Chef or an ambitious Senior Sous Chef looking to take the next step into their first Head Chef role with the support of an established team and ownership group.
The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader with strong operational and commercial skills, a passion for developing people, and a commitment to delivering exceptional food and guest experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all day-to-day kitchen operations
- Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation
- Develop seasonal menus and innovative Pan-Asian dishes
- Manage food costs, labour costs, and kitchen productivity
- Oversee rostering, recruitment, training, and performance management
- Manage stock control, ordering, supplier relationships, and inventory
- Minimise food wastage and maximise profitability
- Execute functions, events, and group bookings to a high standard
- Ensure food safety, WHS, and compliance standards are maintained
- Foster a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture
What We're Looking For
- Minimum 5 years' culinary experience
- 3+ years as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
- Extensive Pan-Asian experience highly regarded
- Experience in premium dining or high-volume venues
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Proven experience managing food and labour costs
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance
- Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or ability to obtain)
- Valid Australian work rights
Immediate Start Available
If you're a passionate culinary leader who takes pride in developing people, delivering exceptional food, and driving operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now with your resume and a brief cover letter.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free drinks
- Free food
- Visa sponsorship
Experience:
- Casual Fine Dining: 3 years (Preferred)
- Chef Pan Asian: 5 years (Required)
Licence/Certification:
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) (Required)
Work Authorisation:
Work Location: In person
