About the role

As Head Chef, you will manage all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu development and food preparation to staff leadership, stock control and food safety compliance. You will work closely with management to maintain high culinary standards, manage costs and ensure efficient service during busy periods. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef who is ready to take ownership of a high-volume café kitchen.

Key responsibilities

• Manage daily kitchen operations, including food preparation and service.
• Lead the kitchen team during peak service periods and ensure the timely delivery of consistently high-quality dishes.
• Design, cost and implement seasonal café menus and daily specials.
• Prepare and present modern café and Italian-inspired dishes.
• Monitor food quality, presentation and portion-control standards.
• Manage stock levels, inventory, purchasing and supplier relationships.
• Control food and labour costs and implement effective waste-management practices.
• Prepare staff rosters and coordinate kitchen staffing requirements.
• Recruit, train, supervise and mentor chefs, cooks and kitchen staff.
• Establish and maintain standard recipes and kitchen procedures.

About you

• A Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• At least two to three years of post-qualification experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or in a comparable senior kitchen position.
• Demonstrated experience managing a busy, fast-paced café or restaurant kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of modern café cuisine and Italian-inspired cooking.
• Proven menu planning, recipe development and menu-costing skills.
• Experience with stock control, purchasing, supplier management and waste reduction.
• Strong leadership, communication and staff-training skills.
• Sound knowledge of HACCP principles, food-safety standards and kitchen hygiene requirements.
• The ability to remain organised and maintain consistent standards during high-volume service.
• The legal right to work in Australia.

Benefits

• A competitive salary of $80,000 per annum plus superannuation.
• Permanent full-time employment of 38 hours per week.
• A senior leadership role with responsibility for kitchen operations and menu development.
• The opportunity to contribute creatively to seasonal menus and daily specials.
• A supportive working environment in a well-established Putney café.

About us

Dolcini is a thriving modern café located in the heart of Putney. We offer a contemporary café menu with Italian-inspired influences and are committed to serving consistently high-quality food in a welcoming and professional environment.