Location: Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Position: Head Chef and Chef Role
Employment Type: Full-time
Note: This is a genuinely hands-on role. This position is not suitable for office-based. Applicants must be comfortable leading from the pass and actively participating in kitchen operations daily.
About Red Hill Epicurean
Red Hill Epicurean is a high-volume, premium Italian dining venue located in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula. The venue delivers consistent, elevated Italian cuisine at scale, supported by strong systems, disciplined execution, and close relationships with leading regional producers and suppliers.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a mature, career-focused Chef to lead the culinary and operational performance of a large, fast-paced Italian kitchen. This is a genuinely hands-on role, requiring daily involvement in food preparation, service leadership, and pass control. The successful candidate will lead from the front, set the pace on the floor, and maintain standards through direct engagement with the kitchen team.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead or work in a high-volume premium Italian kitchen with a strong focus on consistency and execution
· Operate or assist all kitchen management systems including rostering, ordering, cost control, and compliance
· Recruit, train, mentor, and retain a large kitchen brigade, fostering accountability and stability
· Maintain food quality and presentation standards across busy service periods
· Drive GP performance, labour efficiency, and waste reduction as per Epicurean KPIs
· Work closely with senior management and front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless service delivery
· Uphold all food safety, OH&S, and workplace compliance standards
About You
· Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a large, fast-paced hospitality operation
· Demonstrated history in hands-on kitchen leadership, including active service on the pass and in production
· Strong kitchen management capability, including rostering, ordering, cost control, and systems implementation
· Excellent people leadership skills with a proven ability to recruit, train, and retain kitchen teams
· Calm, structured, and decisive leadership style during high-volume service periods
· Demonstrated ability to personally uphold consistency and standards through direct involvement
· Italian cuisine experience strongly preferred, with a solid understanding of traditional techniques and contemporary execution
· Passion for seasonal, regional produce and modern Australian–Italian cuisine
· High personal standards of organisation, cleanliness, and professionalism
· Ability to perform consistently in a high-expectation service environment
· Proficient in food safety standards, HACCP principles, and workplace health & safety regulations
· Excellent time management and problem-solving skills to effectively oversee kitchen operations
· Must hold valid Australian work rights
What We Offer
· Competitive salary package aligned with senior operational responsibility
· A stable, long-term role suited to an experienced Chef seeking longevity
· Supportive ownership with a strong focus on systems, planning, and sustainability
· A premium venue with volume, structure, and clear operational expectations
· Peninsula lifestyle with a more balanced approach than many metropolitan high-volume roles
All applications will be treated in strict confidence. If this job opportunity is of interest, please email Craig Regan - [email protected]
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $76,000.00 – $95,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
