Head Chef | Premium Pan-Asian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

Melrose Restaurant & Rooftop Bar is seeking a talented, experienced, and commercially minded Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in the heart of Bulimba.

Melrose is a vibrant, high-energy venue recognised for elevated dining, premium cocktails, rooftop atmosphere, and exceptional guest experiences. We are looking for a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to quality, creativity, team development, and operational excellence.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for leading all kitchen operations, driving food quality and consistency, managing labour and food costs, developing menus, and inspiring a high-performing team.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who is organised, commercially aware, calm under pressure, and passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences while maintaining a strong kitchen culture and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all day-to-day kitchen operations

• Manage and develop a high-performing kitchen team

• Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation standards

• Develop seasonal menus, specials, and innovative Pan-Asian dishes

• Manage food costs, labour costs, and kitchen productivity targets

• Oversee rostering, recruitment, training, and performance management

• Ensure food safety, hygiene, and workplace compliance standards are upheld

• Manage ordering, stock control, supplier relationships, and inventory

• Minimise food wastage and maximise kitchen efficiency

• Execute functions, events, and large group bookings to a high standard

• Foster a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture

• Work closely with venue management to support business growth and profitability

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years' culinary experience, including 3+ years in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef role

• Extensive experience with Pan-Asian cuisine highly regarded

• Experience in premium dining, high-volume restaurants, or award-winning venues

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills

• Proven experience managing food costs, labour costs, rostering, and kitchen profitability

• Strong understanding of stock control, ordering, inventory management, and supplier relationships

• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and lead effectively under pressure

• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills

• Strong understanding of food safety, WHS, and kitchen compliance requirements

• Current Food Safety Supervisor Certification (or ability to obtain prior to commencement)

• Valid Australian work rights

What We Offer

• An attractive salary and a healthy approach to work/life balance.

• Creative freedom and input into menu development

• Opportunity to lead a growing and ambitious hospitality team

• Supportive ownership and management team

• Staff meals, team events, and venue discounts

• Career growth and leadership development opportunities

• Sponsorship opportunities may be considered for suitably qualified candidates

• Work within one of Brisbane's exciting premium dining destinations

Immediate Start Available

If you're a passionate culinary leader who takes pride in developing people, delivering exceptional food, and driving operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now with your resume and a brief cover letter.