Head Chef

An exciting opportunity is available for a Head Chef to join and lead our dynamic farm-to-table cafe and event space in Freshwater Creek.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and committed chef to develop and showcase a seasonal menu that they are truly passionate about, bringing food and farming to the centre of everything that we do. With a focus on sustainability and community, the kitchen team at Common Ground Project work together with our farm, Food Hub and social enterprise to build a menu and team that celebrates our local food system and brings the community together. This is a full time position working predominantly day shifts on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays.

Why work with us?

• Be an integral part of connecting and empowering the community through food and farming
• Take the reins and lead an inspired kitchen team running our cafe, events and collaborations
• Lead menu development across Common Ground Project, working with our farmers to use seasonal produce from the farm and other local producers in our region
• Work with a team and organisation which genuinely cares about sustainability, our community and the welfare of its staff
• Attractive salary package and employee discounts
• In-house training & development to help reach your potential
• Be part of a dynamic team of hospitality legends, farmers, educators, food systems thinkers and doers, passionate about transforming our local food system
• Group support, mentorship and development from The Mulberry Group, the community-minded, sustainability-focused hospitality group that supports Common Ground Project, with venues including Hazel, Dessous, Liminal, Lilac Wine and Square One Coffee.

We'd love for you to have:

• Ambition to lead and develop a seasonal cafe menu and curate events and catering packages
• Ability to lead and train a small and passionate kitchen team
• A passion for sustainability and keenness to embody Common Ground Project's vision for a more resilient, fair and thriving regenerative farming and food ecosystem
• A genuine interest in teaching and educating, and a proven track record of developing chefs and team members around you
• An engaging and supportive nature, with outstanding leadership and motivational skills
• A hands on attitude – this is a dynamic hospitality role, where you will have the chance to work with teams from across the whole organisation, including with our farmers, educators and food systems team
• Experience which demonstrates you not only bring the right ethos, but also the ability to manage and lead a large kitchen operation
• Ability to manage a high volume pass, and remain calm and composed while doing so

About Common Ground Project

Common Ground Project is a regenerative farm, cafe and social enterprise that connects and empowers the community through food and farming. We exist to empower agency and access for those who need it

most in the community so that we can cultivate a more resilient, fair and thriving regenerative farming and food system for all.

Our on-site cafe and event space is the epicentre of everything that we do at Common Ground Project, a community space and venue that not only serves delicious, simple and seasonal food, but also fosters community engagement and connection.

About our team

We're a team of hospitality legends, farmers, educators, food systems thinkers and doers and work in collaboration with a number of organisations and people doing their bit as we work to support a fairer, more resilient food system for everyone. We dream big, act local, and roll our sleeves up to get the work done

We are an inclusive team and value diversity in all its forms. In your role, we hope you will express yourself, inspire others and contribute to the dynamism of the Common Ground Project culture.

As part of Common Ground Project's onboarding process, you will require a current Victorian Working With Children Check prior to commencement. Any cost to you will be reimbursed by us. Common Ground Project is an equal opportunity employer and child safe organisation.

How to apply for this role

Please send us your CV and a cover letter outlining why you think you are the right person to lead the kitchen at Common Ground Project and apply via the link provided. If you have any questions, please contact