Head Chef - Fire up with Robata

DON'T settle for your next career move.

Here’s the opportunity to make an impact.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary & bonus structure
• Future partnership opportunities and/or profit sharing
• Take control of your team and define the future direction of our kitchen
• Exercise your creative freedom and shape our culinary direction
• Prime Melbourne CBD Location
• Incredible staff discounts across The San Telmo Group
• Collaborative team culture

Surely this can’t be for real? Read on..

Robata is a gem of Melbourne's restaurant scene. Positioned in the historic Herald Sun building at the corner of the Flinders & Exhibition Sts, our prime location isn't just convenient but means that you can be part of the action! You'll be operating out of a building with a renowned legacy for housing Melbourne's most iconic and visible restaurants.

Our custom-built robatayaki grill offers a rare opportunity to create Japanese cuisine that’s not only unique in Melbourne, but bursting with bold, unforgettable flavour. All in all, this is your opportunity to establish yourself and put your mark on this city's hospitality scene.

In the Head Chef role at Robata, your day-to-day will involve:

Overseeing and driving excellence in all aspects of daily kitchen operations — including service flow, rostering, payroll, OHS compliance, and equipment maintenance.

Building and developing a high-performing kitchen team through effective recruitment & onboarding, performance appraisals, mentoring, and skills-based training.

Designing and delivering seasonal menus and specials that reflect the venue’s culinary vision, using premium ingredients and contemporary techniques.

Maintaining profitability through effective cost control (both food and labour), budgeting, inventory management, and strong supplier relationships.

Championing kitchen safety and compliance by enforcing food safety standards, hygiene protocols, WHS procedures, and cleanliness across all areas.

We’re looking for a hospitality professional with proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-end, premium dining environments. You understand the demands of a fast-paced, quality-driven kitchen and take pride in delivering food that is both consistent and exceptional.

But more than that — you’re a true leader of people. You know that a great kitchen is built on great people, and you’re committed to mentoring, supporting, and developing your team. You lead by example, foster a positive and disciplined culture, and take genuine pride in seeing your chefs grow into the next generation of industry leaders.

If you're ready to shape the direction of one of Melbourne’s most respected restaurant groups, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and take the next step in your culinary career.

The San Telmo Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.