Chef

Focacceria Pugliese is an Italian restaurant in South Melbourne offering traditional Puglian cuisine, including regional dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavours.
  
Focacceria Pugliese is now looking for an experienced Chef to join their team.
  
The right candidate will be responsible for:

• Preparing, cooking and presenting a broad range of Italian dishes in accordance with established recipes, portion specifications and presentation standards.
• Planning and organising food preparation and cooking activities to support efficient kitchen operations before and during service.
• Preparing and cooking entrees, pasta dishes, meat and seafood dishes, vegetable accompaniments, sauces and other menu items as required.
• Checking the quality, freshness and suitability of ingredients and finished dishes throughout preparation, cooking and service.
• Contributing to menu planning, seasonal menu changes and the development of new dishes consistent with the restaurant’s Italian culinary offering.
• Managing portion sizes, preparation quantities and ingredient usage to maintain consistency, control costs and minimise food waste.
• Monitoring stock levels and coordinating the ordering, receiving, rotation and appropriate storage of food, ingredients and kitchen supplies.
• Coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure all components of meals are prepared accurately and completed within required service timeframes.
• Supervising and providing guidance to kitchen staff regarding food preparation techniques, cooking methods, plating standards and kitchen procedures where required.
• Ensuring dishes are prepared consistently and meet the restaurant’s required standards for taste, presentation and portion size.
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and ensuring food preparation areas, equipment and utensils are cleaned, sanitised and maintained appropriately.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene, sanitation and workplace health and safety requirements throughout kitchen operations.

About you:

• At least 1 year of experience as a Chef;
• Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine, food preparation and professional cooking techniques;
• Ability to prepare and present a variety of dishes to consistent quality and presentation standards;
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work efficiently during busy service periods;
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene, sanitation and kitchen safety requirements;
• Ability to monitor stock levels, control portions and minimise food waste;
• Strong teamwork and communication skills when coordinating with other kitchen staff;
• Good attention to detail to maintain consistency in flavour, portion size and presentation;
• Ability to supervise and provide guidance to junior kitchen staff where required.

Job Type: full-time, permanent;
Salary: $79,000 - $83,000