Head Chef

Head Chef – Inner North Melbourne

About the Role

We are recruiting Head Chefs for three established venues in Melbourne’s inner north: Bistro, a Pub, and a Middle Eastern Restaurant. These are hands-on leadership roles, each within an individual venue with its own identity, menu style, and service rhythm.

PAX is a hospitality management team and consultancy that helps venues thrive. 

We are managing the recruitment process to find the right Head Chef for each location, ensuring a strong, mutual fit.

Role Snapshot

• Salary: $85,000 to $100,000, based on experience
• Team Size: Lead and manage a kitchen team of 4 to 10 chefs
• Location: Inner north Melbourne
• Venues: Bistro, Pub, or Middle Eastern Restaurant
• Role Type: Full-time, permanent Head Chef position within one venue

The Responsibilities

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen and setting the standard for food, team culture, and service delivery. While each venue has a different style and offering, the core expectations of the role remain consistent.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading all kitchen operations across service, prep, and ordering
• Managing, mentoring, and developing a team of 4 to 10 chefs
• Creating and maintaining menus that suit the venue’s style and customer base
• Maintaining food quality, consistency, and presentation at all times
• Managing food costs, stock control, and supplier relationships
• Upholding food safety, hygiene, and workplace standards
• Working closely with front-of-house and venue leadership to deliver smooth service

About You

This role suits an experienced Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to step into their first Head Chef position.

You will bring:

• Experience in a similar role, or as a Sous Chef in a quality, high-volume venue
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to build a steady, respectful kitchen culture
• Confidence in managing service and making decisions under pressure
• A collaborative approach, working effectively with front-of-house and management
• Solid organisational skills and a clear understanding of food costs and kitchen systems
• Pride in your food, your team, and how the kitchen operates day to day

The Opportunity

This is a chance to take full ownership of a kitchen within a well-regarded venue and make a real impact. The recruitment process will assess your experience, leadership style, and strengths, then align you with the venue that offers the best fit.

The role will be supported by the PAX team including the PAX Executive Chef. 

If you are ready to lead a kitchen and take responsibility for food, people, and standards, we would like to hear from you.