Head Chef

Head Chef – Full Time | Omari Bendigo

Location: Bendigo, VIC

Salary: $80,000–$90,000 + Super + Bonus (based on experience)

Start Date: Negotiable

About Us

Omari Bendigo (AC & JR Group Pty Ltd) is a premium, fully licensed café-restaurant located in the heart of the Bendigo Botanical Gardens. Soon operating 7 days a week, we're known for our exceptional breakfast and brunch service, welcoming 600–1,000 guests per week.

We also operate Bendigo Gourmet Catering Co (BGCCO), providing bespoke catering for corporate events, weddings, and private functions (10–300+ guests).

As we prepare for the relaunch of our function centre, we're seeking a high-performing Head Chef to lead our culinary operations across café, catering, and events.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced chef ready to take ownership of a busy, high-volume kitchen. You'll work directly with the owner-operators to shape our culinary direction, build a strong team, and drive performance across multiple service streams.

We're looking for someone with drive, resilience, and passion for excellence — a leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-standard environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Building

Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing kitchen team

Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement

Manage rosters and staffing across a 7-day operation

Lead by example, driving performance and consistency

Financial Management

Manage and monitor kitchen KPIs (COGS, labour, margins)

Maintain budgets and implement cost controls (target COGS 25–30%)

Report regularly to ownership on financial performance

Menu Development

Design and maintain menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and events

Create bespoke menus for weddings, functions, and catering clients

Use fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients to deliver creativity and quality

Kitchen Operations

Implement kitchen systems, processes, and SOPs

Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards

Oversee kitchen operations serving 600–1,000 guests per week

Catering & Events

Oversee catering for weddings, corporate events, and private functions (10–300+ guests)

Coordinate with the events team to deliver seamless service

Lead kitchen operations for evening functions and the upcoming function centre relaunch

Inventory & Supplier Relations

Manage inventory using Restoke system

Negotiate with suppliers, track stock, and reduce waste

Plan seasonal menus 4–6 months ahead to manage costs

About You

Essential Requirements

Minimum 2 years' experience as a Head Chef

Proven ability to build and lead strong kitchen teams

Breakfast service experience in a high-volume café (preferred)

Demonstrated success managing functions, events, and catering

Strong financial management and KPI-driven performance

Diploma in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent experience)

Ability to work across a 7-day operation, with some evenings for events

Hands-on leadership style and exceptional work ethic

Key Attributes

High attention to detail and presentation

Excellent communication and leadership skills

Resilient, motivated, and thrives under pressure

Strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and consistency

What We Offer

Competitive salary: $80,000–$90,000 + Super + KPI-based bonus

Full-time, leadership position reporting directly to owner-operators

Opportunity to lead culinary operations across multiple venues

Exciting role in the relaunch of our function centre

Work in a beautiful setting within Bendigo Botanical Gardens

Professional development and long-term career growth

Supportive, hands-on management and team culture

How to Apply

If you're an experienced Head Chef ready to make your mark in a thriving hospitality group — leading a team, managing growth, and delivering exceptional dining experiences — we'd love to hear from you.

Please include in your application:

Your relevant Head Chef experience (minimum 2 years)

Examples of team leadership, systems implementation, and financial management

Experience managing high-volume breakfast and catering operations

Why you're the right fit for Omari Bendigo

Contact: Aaron – Managing Director & Owner-Operator

Applications will be reviewed as received.

Start date: Negotiable

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 – $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Experience:

• Kitchen: 2 years (Required)

Work Authorisation:

• Australia (Preferred)

Work Location: In person