Area Chef | Melbourne

Join Australian Venue Co and help shape the future of hospitality in Victoria

Australian Venue Co is continuing to grow rapidly across the country, with a strong focus and ongoing investment in Victoria. As we continue expanding and elevating our food offering, we’re looking for an experienced Area Chef to join the Melbourne-based team.

Working closely alongside the Executive Chef, this role will play a key part in supporting kitchen operations, developing teams, driving consistency and helping deliver strong culinary and commercial outcomes across the Victorian portfolio.

AVC owns and operates a diverse range of iconic hospitality venues across the state, including The Esplanade Hotel, Hickens Hotel and Studley Park Boathouse - ranging from coastal pubs and rooftop bars to large-format bistros and premium dining destinations.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in fast-paced hospitality environments and has a genuine passion for mentoring teams and building successful kitchens.

What you’ll be doing:

• Supporting and leading Head Chefs across multiple venues

• Working closely with the Executive Chef on menu development and food strategy

• Driving consistency, quality and operational standards across the group

• Assisting with recruitment, training and development of BOH teams

• Managing food cost, labour performance and kitchen compliance

• Supporting venue openings, refurbishments and business growth across Victoria

What we’re looking for:

• Previous Area Chef experience is essential

• Strong multi-site operational experience within high-volume venues

• Proven leadership and mentoring capability

• Solid understanding of costing, rostering and kitchen financials

• Ability to build strong relationships with venue teams and stakeholders

• Passion for quality food, systems and developing people

Why join AVC?

• Competitive salary package + bonus structure
• Be part of one of Australia’s fastest-growing hospitality groups
• Strong investment and expansion plans across Victoria
• Work alongside experienced operational and culinary leadership
• Genuine career progression opportunities within a growing national company
• Opportunity to influence and shape the culinary direction of the Victorian portfolio

If you’re a proven hospitality leader looking to take the next step with a growing national group that is heavily investing in Victoria, we’d love to hear from you.