Head chef at East End

Join us at East end wine bar as Head Chef and lead a passionate kitchen team dedicated to crafting exceptional dishes that pair perfectly with our curated wine selection. We're looking for a creative, driven individual.

HEAD CHEF – EAST END WINE BAR

Location: 225 Camberwell road, Hawthorn east
Type: Full-Time
Salary: 75k - 80k + Tips + Performance Bonus
Hours: 42 hour contract
Start Date: immediately

ABOUT US

We are a contemporary wine bar with a focus on artisanal pizza, seasonal ingredients, and casual excellence. Combining relaxed hospitality with a refined food and wine offering, we’re a neighbourhood destination that prides itself on flavour, craft, and atmosphere.

Our open kitchen is centred around a traditional stone oven, turning out high-hydration dough pizzas, Alongside that, we offer a rotating selection of small plates and wine-focused dishes designed to match the mood and the pour.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We’re seeking a Head Chef to take creative and operational ownership of our kitchen. This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who understands simplicity, quality, and how to build a team that delivers consistently.

You’ll have the chance to design a concise but dynamic menu that champions dough, seasonality and flavour. You’ll also contribute event menus, and collaborations with our bar and wine team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, from prep to pass

Develop and maintain a strong, focused menu featuring stone oven pizza and supporting dishes

Lead, train and motivate a kitchen team

Manage inventory, supplier relationships, ordering and cost controls

Maintain hygiene and safety compliance (HACCP, food safety standards)

Collaborate with front-of-house and bar teams for seamless service

Deliver food consistently to spec, even in high-volume periods

Plan and deliver specials, seasonal menu changes, and event catering

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef in a quality-driven kitchen

Expertise in artisan or Neapolitan-style pizza, including dough fermentation and stone oven work

Strong leadership and organisational skills with the ability to delegate and train

Passion for fresh, seasonal produce and honest, flavour-led cooking

Calm, clean and consistent in both cooking and communication

An interest in wine and food pairing is a bonus (training available)

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive salary, generous share of tips, and bonus opportunities

Creative autonomy and influence over the food direction

Flexible roster and genuine work-life balance

Staff discounts and wine tastings

A professional and supportive work environment

Growth opportunities as we expand and collaborate