Chef

Chef – New Nation Pty Ltd (T/A BBQ Nation)

Craigieburn, VIC 3064
Full-time | $76,000 – $85,000 per annum

About the Role

BBQ Nation is seeking a skilled and experienced Chef to join its Craigieburn kitchen. This is a hands-on role suited to a professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume dining environment and is passionate about delivering consistent, high-quality food across live-grill and buffet services.

Responsibilities

1. Designing and planning menus in line with BBQ Nation’s live-grill, buffet, and à la carte offerings, including marinated meats, grills, Indian starters, and accompaniments; calculating food and staffing costs to ensure profitability while maintaining quality, and ordering fresh ingredients, spices, and supplies based on demand forecasts.
2. Monitoring and maintaining strict quality control of dishes throughout preparation, grilling, and final presentation, ensuring consistency in taste, portioning, and visual appeal across buffet counters and live stations.
3. Liaising closely with Restaurant Managers, Dietitians, and kitchen and service staff to coordinate food preparation, accommodate dietary requirements, manage special requests, and ensure smooth service during peak dining hours.
4. Demonstrating BBQ Nation’s specialised cooking methods, including live grilling, marination techniques, and traditional Indian culinary procedures, and providing hands-on guidance and supervision to kitchen staff to maintain brand standards.
5. Actively performing food preparation and cooking duties, including preparing marinades, grilling meats and vegetables, cooking curries and accompaniments, and managing buffet replenishment during service.
6. Communicating, implementing, and ensuring strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards in accordance with Australian food safety regulations, including safe handling of raw meats, temperature control, and kitchen cleanliness.
7. Assisting management in hiring, onboarding, and training junior kitchen staff, including cooks and kitchen hands, to ensure they understand recipes, preparation methods, safety procedures, and service expectations.
8. Carrying out food freezing, storage, and preservation processes, including proper labelling, stock rotation, and safe thawing methods to minimise wastage and maintain food quality.

What We’re Looking For

• Diploma of Hospitality Management
• 2 - 3 years of experience working as a Chef
• Creative flair and a passion for food presentation and innovation
• Excellent time management
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards

If you're a dedicated, skilled, and passionate Chef who’s ready to bring consistency, flavour, and leadership to the kitchen, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now!