Full Time Head Chef

Full Time Head Chef
Sando Project Pty Ltd trading as Kenangan Restaurant

Melbourne VIC
Full time
Up to $97,000

Kenangan is a modern Indonesian restaurant in Melbourne, built around bold flavours, nostalgic dishes, and a genuine love for Indonesian food culture. We’re all about sharing real, honest cooking with care, and consistency.

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Head Chef who’s not just a leader in the kitchen, but someone who truly understands and celebrates Indonesian cuisine.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee all daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and excellence in all dishes served.
• Develop, design, and execute menus that reflect authentic Indonesian flavours while maintaining innovation and seasonal relevance.
• Take full ownership of kitchen performance, including food quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Manage, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.
• Ensure strict compliance with Food & Beverage policies, food safety standards, and hygiene regulations.
• Maintain high standards of food preparation, portion control, and cost management.
• Monitor quality control at all stages of food preparation and presentation.
• Collaborate with owners and front-of-house team to ensure smooth service and continuous improvement.
• Oversee ordering, stock control, supplier relationships, and cost efficiency.
• Implement and maintain systems to improve kitchen workflow and productivity.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Diploma of Hospitality Management, Certificate IV/III in Commercial Cookery, or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong experience as a Senior Sous Chef ready to step up, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong expertise in Indonesian cuisine, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and inspire a kitchen team.
• Passion for menu development and delivering high-quality dining experiences.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong work ethic, leadership mindset, and proactive approach.

Strong Work Ethic : Our kitchen operates at a rapid pace, and we need someone who can handle the demands of a busy environment, maintain composure under pressure, and consistently deliver high-quality dishes.

Keen to join?

Send your resume and a short cover letter to hi@kenangan.com.au telling us a bit about you and your experience.

Your application will include the following questions:

• How many years’ experience do you have as a Head Chef or senior kitchen leader?
• What’s your experience with Indonesian cuisine?
• Which of the following best describes your right to work in Australia?