“Marmelo is one of the more exciting restaurants to open in Melbourne in recent memory, not solely because it’s avoiding the playbook of what’s obvious and popular. The service is good! The food is delicious! The space is so fun! There’s a bunch of Madeira to drink!

Newness is almost always exciting, but when it’s backed up with real quality, that’s where the magic lies”. Besha Rodell, Good food guide.

Marmelo is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the team. Comprising an independently run elegant restaurant and bar alongside the Melbourne Place Hotel on Russell Street plus an eclectic destination basement bar accessed via Melbourne Place Lane way. Operated by multi award-winning, hatted restaurateurs – Ross & Sunny Lusted.

The restaurant celebrates a unique culinary style with a focus on Iberian coastal dining embracing the seafaring and fishing traditions of Port Melbourne. Wood and charcoal cooking methods impart incredible flavours bringing authenticity to the cooking process.

The ground level dining room and bar will seat 110 diners, inclusive of a private dining room. The eclectic basement laneway bar, Mr. Mills is a late-night hotspot, accommodating a further 100 guests.

Key Responsibilities

This role will have a significant pre-opening responsibility which will include setting up systems supported by owner representatives and company directors prior to the opening of the venue.

• Recruitment of entire kitchen brigade.
• Work alongside the procurement team to onboard suppliers and set up products on companies’ platform.
• Management of a diverse team of fifteen Chefs
• Strict compliance with HACCP program
• Responsible for achieving food cost targets and ensuring effective team time management and wage costs.
• Building strong relationships with all heads of department, group executives, colleagues, and suppliers.
• Product and recipe development

Key Selection Criteria

• Previous experience at a similar level in a premium dining or hatted venue
• Exceptional leadership skills with the proven ability to coach and mentor a team
• Capable of working under pressure in a high-volume environment
• Sound commercial acumen to manage a P&L and Food Cost
• A passion for hospitality, up to date with the latest industry trends
• Exceptional grooming standards appropriate for a high-end dining and open kitchen environment
• Flexibility to work a rotating roster
• Strong product knowledge, staff training and effective recipe maintenance

What we offer

• A chance to be part of one of Melbourne’s most exciting new openings
• Ongoing internal training and opportunities to obtain nationally recognised qualifications
• Competitive salary range
• Great working hours to allow for a good work/home life balance
• Onsite discounts and benefits