Head Chef

Head Chef - Farinata

Farinata is The Mulberry Group's newest restaurant, opening soon in the heart of Camberwell. Inspired by the warmth and simplicity of Italian dining, Farinata will celebrate handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, exceptional Australian produce and one of Melbourne's most exciting Italian wine lists. It's a neighbourhood restaurant built to become part of the community, a place for long lunches, family dinners and celebrations with friends.

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Farinata full-time. You'll be the creative and operational heart of the restaurant, responsible for menu development, food quality, kitchen management and delivering an exceptional dining experience. This role suits a passionate culinary leader who and holds the highest standards of gastronomy.

You'll work closely with our own farm, Common Ground Project, drawing on seasonal, regenerative produce to shape the menu and connect the kitchen to something bigger than food alone.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and mentor the kitchen team, building a culture of excellence, collaboration and development

• Develop and execute menus that reflect Farinata's culinary philosophy, with a focus on seasonality and ingredient quality

• Oversee food preparation, cooking technique and plating to ensure consistency across every dish

• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards

• Manage kitchen budgets, control food costs and minimise wastage through purchasing, stock management and portion control

• Liaise with front-of-house to ensure seamless service and resolve any food quality feedback

• Source quality ingredients, including from Common Ground Project, and maintain strong supplier relationships

• Oversee kitchen equipment maintenance and coordinate repairs as needed

• Recruit, train and manage performance across kitchen positions

• Stay across culinary trends and techniques to keep the menu fresh and competitive

About You

• 5-7 years' professional cooking experience, including 2-3 years as Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role

• Formal culinary qualifications or equivalent professional kitchen experience

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team

• Comprehensive knowledge of cooking techniques, cuisines and flavour profiles

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure

• Confidence with kitchen management systems, inventory control and food cost analysis

• Creativity and genuine passion for menu development

• Understanding of dietary requirements and allergen management

• Current food safety certification, Food Safety Supervisor qualification highly regarded

Why Join The Mulberry Group?

Farinata joins a collection of award-winning Mulberry Group venues including Hazel, Dessous, Lilac Wine and Bar Sala. Across every venue, our philosophy is the same: thoughtful hospitality, genuine people, beautiful produce and food guests remember. We invest in our people and back them to grow.

You'll get:

• The chance to shape the menu and culture of one of Melbourne's most exciting new openings

• Direct access to Common Ground Project's farm and produce

• Professional development and training to grow your culinary and leadership skills

• A collaborative culture that values creativity and craft

• Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible

• Staff meals and access to quality ingredients

• Competitive salary and industry-best conditions

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Head Chef ready to lead the kitchen at Farinata, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV, a cover letter outlining your culinary philosophy and leadership approach, and two professional referees.