Chef Recruitment, Melbourne
From a section-ready Chef to an Executive Chef, we find the kitchen hire your venue actually needs, screened by someone who has run kitchens. First candidates typically within 7 to 10 days.
What we look for in a Chef
A strong chef makes the rest of the line better. These are the things we look for beyond the CV.
How we screen-
Section experience that transfers
We look for solid time on sections at venues comparable to yours, so they are useful from the first service.
How we checkWe match their sections and venue types to your kitchen and menu.
-
Consistent under service pressure
The plate on the hundredth cover should match the first. We look for chefs who hold their standard on a busy night.
How we checkReferees are asked about consistency on their busiest services.
-
Wants to grow with you
The right chef is building a career, not filling time. We look for people who want to learn and step up.
How we checkWe ask where they want to go next and test that against their record.
-
Fits the existing team
A strong cook who unsettles the kitchen costs more than they add. We look for fit with your structure and your people.
How we checkWe talk through your team with them and check how they worked with others.
Chef recruitment at every level
Whether you need a section-ready Chef, a Sous Chef to run the pass or a Head Chef to lead the kitchen, the search starts the same way: a brief on your kitchen, not just the role.
- Sous ChefSecond-in-charge chefs who can run the pass and hold the standard when the Head Chef isn't in the room.
- Head ChefHands-on kitchen leaders who fit your venue's pace and standard.
- Executive ChefSenior kitchen leadership that holds the standard over time.
- Every candidate is screened against your venue's specific needs and challenges, not just the job description, then reference-checked.
- We typically have first candidates in front of you within 7 to 10 days.
- We stay involved through onboarding and the first three months.
Recent chef placements, and how long they took.
7days to placement
Head Chef
Neighbourhood bistro, Albert Park
Replaced at short notice ahead of a busy period, reference-checked in that window.
4weeks to placement
Head Chef
Theatre, Melbourne’s east
A retained search: a shortlist of three, with a backup candidate held in reserve.
3weeks to placement
Head Chef
Japanese fusion, Camberwell
Brought structure and consistency to service within the first month.
Pre-open
Executive Chef
Bayside steakhouse
Appointed ahead of opening, with time to build the kitchen team and systems.
4weeks to placement
Sous Chef
Two hat venue
Integrated without disrupting the kitchen, and has since taken on refining the menu.
