Chef Full Time

Position: Chef

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $76,000 to $79,000 plus superannuation per annum

Location: Wantirna South VIC 3152

Our client Khazana Indian Restaurant is seeking Chef to join their restaurant located in  Wantirna South, Victoria.

As a Chef you will be responsible for overseeing the preparation, cooking, and presentation of high-quality Indian cuisine in accordance with the restaurant’s authentic culinary standards. This is a skilled role requiring extensive knowledge of Indian cooking techniques, spices, kitchen operations, food safety standards, and the ability to manage busy commercial kitchen functions in a high-volume restaurant environment. The position is essential to the business due to its reliance on traditional Indian dishes, consistency of flavours, and maintaining high customer satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Plan, prepare, and cook a wide range of authentic Indian dishes including curries, tandoori items, biryanis, breads, entrées, and accompaniments.
• Ensure all food produced meets restaurant standards for flavour, texture, portioning, and presentation.
• Develop new menu items and seasonal dishes in consultation with management.

Menu Planning & Stock Control

• Assist in menu planning, costing, and portion control to ensure profitability.
• Monitor stock levels, order supplies, and manage deliveries to ensure availability of fresh ingredients.
• Minimise waste through proper inventory rotation and storage procedures.

Kitchen Operations & Supervision

• Supervise kitchen staff, cooks, and kitchen hands during service.
• Allocate tasks to maintain smooth workflow during peak hours.
• Train and mentor junior staff in cooking techniques, kitchen hygiene, and safe work practices.

Quality, Safety & Hygiene Compliance

• Maintain strict compliance with Food Safety Standards, OHS regulations, and council requirements.
• Ensure the kitchen and all preparation areas are kept clean and sanitised.
• Implement proper food handling, storage, and temperature control practices.

Equipment & Facility Management

• Monitor the performance of kitchen equipment and arrange repairs or servicing when required.
• Ensure proper use of tandoor ovens, burners, fryers, and other cooking equipment.

Customer & Business Support

• Assist management with menu innovation aligned with customer preferences.
• Ensure dietary requirements and allergen requests are catered for safely.
• Uphold the restaurant’s reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality food.

Requirements:

• Relevant qualification in Commercial Cookery (Certificate III/IV or above) or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of full-time experience as a Chef in a commercial kitchen, preferably in an Indian restaurant.
• Demonstrated expertise in traditional Indian cooking methods including tandoor cooking, spice blending, and preparation of gravies and masalas.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with high attention to detail.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of food safety requirements and safe kitchen practices.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for Indian cuisine and culinary excellence
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure
• Excellent time management skills
• Professional, reliable, and team-focused
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organisation

Employment Conditions:

• Full-time employment (minimum 38 hours per week).
• Rostered shifts including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required.
• Salary aligned with the Market Salary Rate and compliant with the Hospitality Industry (General) Award
• Role is ongoing and essential to daily business operations.