Head Chef

Arcare Malvern East

🕒Permanent, Full Time, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 plus Superannuation

Why Join Arcare?

• Supportive leadership and a positive workplace culture
• Job security, growth industry
• State-of-the-art facilities and working environment within leading provider
• Professional development opportunities
• Exclusive employee discounts (Apple, Samsung, Travel, Health Insurance, Gyms & more)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Reward & Recognition programs
• Interstate reach & mobility options

About The Role

The Head Chef plays a significant role in enhancing the overall quality of life for residents at Arcare by providing delicious and nutritious meals. The Head Chef is responsible for managing the entire kitchen operations, which includes overseeing the staff and ensuring that high standards of food quality and safety are maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Planning: Assist with the design of nutritious and diverse menus that cater to the dietary requirements of Arcare residents, considering their specific health conditions, dietary requirements and preferences.
• Food Preparation: Prepare and cook a variety of meals using fresh ingredients, ensuring appropriate food handling and food safety procedures are followed.
• Quality Control: Monitor the quality of meals at all stages of preparation and presentation to ensure high standards in taste, appearance and portion sizes, making adjustments as needed based on resident feedback.
• Inventory & Supply Management: Manage kitchen stock levels, arrange the ordering of food supplies, source ingredients cost-effectively and minimise food waste. Ensure appropriate food storage and preservation, including freezing where required.
• Dietary Requirements: Work collaboratively with Managers, Dietitians, Nutritionists and kitchen staff regarding food preparation and residents’ dietary and nutritional requirements to provide well-balanced and appropriate meal options.
• Kitchen Standards: Ensure compliance with hygiene and food safety requirements throughout food preparation, cooking, storage and service.
• Kitchen Team Support: Demonstrate cooking techniques and provide guidance on food preparation and cooking procedures and assist with the selection and training of kitchen staff as required.

What We’re Looking For

• Relevant Diploma-level qualification in cookery, hospitality, kitchen management or a related field. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification.
• Previous experience in a Chef or similar role, preferably within aged care, healthcare or a comparable high-volume food service environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene requirements and the preparation of meals for varied dietary needs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prepare and present nutritious, high-quality meals while maintaining consistency and appropriate portioning.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with kitchen, care and allied health teams.
• A genuine commitment to providing residents with an enjoyable, inclusive and high-quality dining experience.

About Arcare

As one of Australia’s leading aged care providers, Arcare operates over 60 residences across QLD, NSW, ACT, SA and VIC, supported by more than 10,000 team members. Our focus is simple — building meaningful relationships between residents, families, and staff, with our residents at the heart of everything we do.

Ready to Apply

Our people and culture set us apart and our ongoing focus of working together as one team. If you think this role is the right fit for you, we invite you to apply.

Applicants must have Australian Working Rights and hold (or be willing to obtain) a NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Arcare is proud to celebrate diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.