We are seeking a passionate and experienced Executive Chef to lead our kitchen teams and oversee culinary operations across Art Centre Melbourne's venues with its various food and beverage outlets. This is a senior leadership appointment reporting to the Director, Customer Experience. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, creative, organised, and committed to the continued delivery of exceptional food quality and dining experiences.

This role requires strong and inclusive leadership with a hands-on approach, menu development expertise for all aspects of F&B in an Performing arts venue - be it Champagne and caviar or a beer and a sausage roll - and a desire to play an important part in the growth and evolution of the business.

About the Position

Culinary & Operational Leadership

• Lead kitchen operations across venues, setting the standard for execution, consistency and excellence
• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing team, fostering a culture of inclusion and professionalism
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, rostering, and performance management in line with labour targets

Commercial Ownership

• Take full ownership of BOH cost management, including COG, labour, and controllable expenses
• Review financial performance weekly and implement adjustments to maintain targets
• Manage inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships to optimise cost, quality, and waste reduction
• Contribute to senior management discussions with clear reporting on BOH performance

Menu Development & Concept Evolution

• Lead menu development across venues and associated activations
• Deliver creative output within defined cost, yield, and operational constraints
• Play a key role in shaping and evolving the culinary offering
• Have direct involvement in the operational and creative direction, and brand expansion working towards making Arts Centre Melbourne and the Arts Precinct a destination beyond the performing arts component

Standards & Compliance

• Uphold rigorous standards in food safety, hygiene, and kitchen presentation
• Ensure equipment maintenance and operational readiness across sites

For more information please read  Position Description Executive Chef April 2026.docx

About You

• Proven experience in a senior kitchen leadership role in a premium dining environment (Head Chef or strong Senior Sous ready to step into an Executive chef position)
• Trade-qualified with a disciplined, professional approach to kitchen operations
• Commercially astute, with demonstrated experience managing costs, reporting, and performance
• A confident and engaging people leader capable of building and maintaining a high-retention team culture
• Creatively engaged, with an appreciation on what’s trending and what's happening on ACM’s stages balanced by a strong focus on execution and consistency

About the Team

The Kitchen Brigade sits within the Destination and Audience pillar and is responsible for the food delivery within Arts Centre Melbourne which contributes as a major driver of revenue.

The kitchen delivers a culinary experience on a multi-platform stage, catering for the culinary novice, the theatre-going crowds, world stage performers and a vast array of local and international dignitaries.

About Arts Centre Melbourne

Arts Centre Melbourne acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we gather, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung. We also acknowledge the neighbouring Kulin Nation groups, the Boonwurrung and Bunurong people, and pay our respects to elders, past and present.

Beneath our iconic Spire, in Hamer Hall and at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, we showcase the best of Australian and international performing arts.  

Together with our own program of performances, events and activities we offer a diversity of audiences a distinctly multidimensional approach to participation, education and entertainment.

We are now focused on Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to transforming the Melbourne Arts Precinct into a thriving, connected creative and civic space over the coming years.

For a glimpse into working at Arts Centre Melbourne click here.

Enjoy Team Member Benefits

As a valued member of our ensemble, you will enjoy: 

• A creative and innovative culture focused on growth and work/life balance
• Complimentary ticket offers
• Discounts at food & beverage outlets
• Discounted onsite parking 
• Access to wellbeing activities and learning and development programs
• Free access to Employee Assistance Programs which includes specific support to our First Nations team members and specific counsellors for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and People of Colour.  

Apply Now!

Arts Centre Melbourne welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Disabled and Deaf people, sexualities and gender identities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of all ages.

We seek to provide workplace adjustments at all relevant stages of the recruitment process such as alternative formats or other access supports. You can specify in the application form if you require any adjustments or please ask us at any stage. If you need to contact us about making workplace adjustments during the recruitment process, please send an email to peopleassist@artscentremelbourne.com.au.

Please submit your resume together with a cover letter by 11:55pm Monday 4th May 2026. Early applications are encouraged as suitable candidates may be invited to attend an interview prior to the closing date.

Employment at Arts Centre Melbourne is conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a National Police Check.

Applications are open to those with full working rights in Australia. Arts Centre Melbourne is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.