Head Chef - The Vic Hotel Footscray

HEAD CHEF - THE VIC HOTEL FOOTSCRAY

This isn't just another pub kitchen.

We’re looking for an ambitious, experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at The Vic Hotel Footscray - and help us build something the West genuinely deserves.

The Vic is the only pub within our small bespoke hospitality group, but our roots are firmly in restaurants. We operate a group of hospitality venues with a strong focus on food, service and creating memorable dining experiences. We’re bringing that restaurant mindset to The Vic.

You’ll be cooking, you’ll be leading, and you’ll have a genuine opportunity to shape where the kitchen goes next.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being on the pass, developing their team and having a real influence on the food and operation.

Footscray is one of Melbourne’s most exciting and diverse food destinations - and we believe it deserves a pub that matches it.

What you'll be doing

-          Lead and develop the kitchen team, setting high standards across food and service

-          Develop menus and dishes that are creative, approachable and commercially sound

-          Be hands-on with preparation and service

-          Manage food costs, ordering, stock and kitchen operations

-          Build strong supplier relationships and maintain quality produce

-          Work closely with the Front of House and management teams to deliver a great guest experience

-          Maintain strong food safety, hygiene and compliance standards

-          Identify opportunities to improve kitchen systems, efficiency and consistency

What we're looking for

We’re looking for a chef who is confident leading from the front.

You’ll ideally have:

-          3–5+ years’ experience as a Head Chef

-          Strong technical cooking skills and genuine passion for food

-          Experience working in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen

-          Proven ability to lead, develop and motivate a team

-          Strong understanding of food costing, menu development and kitchen operations

-          Excellent organisation, communication and problem-solving skills

-          A high standard of food safety and kitchen hygiene

-          A creative approach to food, without losing sight of consistency, quality and commerciality

-          The energy and ambition to help build something rather than simply maintain the status quo

Most importantly, you care about the food and you care about the people making it.

About us

The Vic Hotel Footscray is part of an established Melbourne hospitality group with a strong restaurant background and a focus on food, service and hospitality.

We see a real opportunity to create something special at The Vic - bringing a more elevated food offering to one of Melbourne’s most exciting and diverse neighbourhoods.

If you’re a Head Chef who wants to cook, lead and have a real say in the direction of a venue, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now.