Head Chef – Somewhere in the Park | Victoria Park

Lead the kitchen, shape the food and make your mark at one of Vic Park’s most unique hospitality venues.

About Somewhere in the Park

Somewhere in the Park is a busy neighbourhood restaurant, wine bar and events venue in the heart of Victoria Park.

We’re a little different from your traditional pub or restaurant. Our venue brings together a strong seasonal food offering, more than 200 wines, 20+ craft beers on tap and a great cocktail list, all within a large indoor/outdoor venue designed around relaxed, genuine hospitality.

From cruisy nights to busy weekend services, functions and special events, there’s always something happening in the Park.

We’re now looking for an experienced Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen and help lead the next chapter of our food offering.

The Role

This is a genuine Head Chef position for someone who wants the opportunity to lead a kitchen and have real input into its direction.

You’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen while working closely with the owners and venue management team.

We want someone who understands that great food doesn't need to be overcomplicated. It needs to be consistent, well executed, commercially sensible and something people genuinely want to come back for.

You'll have the freedom to contribute ideas, develop seasonal dishes and specials, and continue evolving the Somewhere in the Park food offering.

This is also very much a hands-on role. We're looking for a Head Chef who enjoys being in the kitchen with their team and leading from the front.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Leading the day-to-day operation of the kitchen

Managing, developing and mentoring the kitchen team

Menu development, seasonal changes and specials

Maintaining consistency across food quality, portioning and presentation

Managing food costs, wastage and kitchen profitability

Rostering and maintaining appropriate kitchen labour costs

Stock control, ordering and supplier relationships

Delivering smooth service across regular dining and functions

Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and compliance standards

Working closely with venue management and the owners on the continued development of the business

Creating a positive, organised and professional kitchen culture

About You

We're looking for someone who is confident enough to take ownership but still enjoys being part of a wider team.

Ideally, you'll have:

Experience as a Head Chef, or be a strong Sous Chef ready to take the next step

Strong leadership and people-management skills

A genuine passion for cooking and seasonal produce

Good commercial understanding of food costs, labour and wastage

The ability to develop dishes that are creative but still practical in a busy kitchen

Strong organisational and communication skills

The ability to remain calm and lead effectively during busy services

High standards and attention to detail

A team-first attitude with no ego

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who cares about what leaves the kitchen and enjoys building a great team around them.

What We Offer

Competitive Head Chef salary package

Genuine autonomy and input into the food direction of the venue

An established venue with a strong local following

A well-equipped commercial kitchen

Support from an experienced management and ownership team

A workplace that values good people and a positive culture

The opportunity to grow within an expanding independent hospitality group

Future opportunities as the group continues to develop new venues and concepts

Interested?

If you're an experienced chef looking for somewhere you can take ownership, bring your own ideas and genuinely influence the direction of a kitchen, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply through SEEK with your resume and a short introduction telling us a little about yourself, your experience and the type of food you love to cook.

Come and make Somewhere in the Park's kitchen your own.