Overview
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Our iconic venue offers stunning views of the Yarra River and Melbourne cityscape. As industry leaders, we host Australia's most significant events year-round. Join our 500-plus- team crafting unforgettable experiences from conferences, exhibitions, and meetings to galas and beyond. The MCEC has won numerous awards for the quality and creativity of our food. This is your chance to join an award-winning team and work in an iconic venue.
About the RoleMCEC is seeking an exceptional Senior Head Chef to join our award-winning culinary team. This is a rare opportunity to lead culinary operations at a scale and standard that very few kitchens in the country can offer. Reporting directly to our Executive Chef, you\'ll take ownership of multiple departments with a team of direct reports behind you, real leadership, real responsibility, and real impact.
What makes this role stand out:
* The prestige of one of Melbourne\'s most recognised venues
* A true leadership position overseeing multiple culinary departments
* Close mentorship and collaboration with the Executive Chef
* A genuine, structured succession plan — this role is built with your growth in mind, with a clear pathway toward Executive Chef capability
* The scale and variety of events — no two days are the same
* A platform to make your mark and elevate an already celebrated culinary offering
We\'re not just looking for someone to fill a seat, we're investing in our next culinary leader. If you\'re ambitious, passionate, and ready to step into a role where your skills and vision can shine on a truly grand stage, this is it. This is a senior food and beverage leadership role responsible for guiding and inspiring a high-performing kitchen brigade deliver some of Australia's most prestigious events.
This position operates on a rotating 7-day roster, which includes early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and occasional after-hours contact in line with event and client requirements.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the culinary team in creating and executing innovative, high-quality events while staying current with industry trends and continuously developing new menu concepts and service standards
* Oversee all kitchen event operations including menu planning, food preparation, execution, and on-time delivery to the required ratios and standards
* Manage back-of-house logistics by liaising with event planners, F&B, and kitchen logistics teams to ensure staffing, delivery, and preparation requirements are communicated and actioned
* Drive continual operational improvements to enhance productivity, efficiency, and service excellence through streamlined systems, processes, and workflows
* Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff by providing feedback, setting goals, and designing learning programs to uplift skills and foster a culture of excellence and accountability
* Support apprentices through appropriate supervision, feedback, TAFE assistance, and professional development opportunities
* Manage financial performance by providing accurate dish and menu costings, maintaining food cost percentages, and managing cost centres within budget
* Partner with local suppliers to showcase Victorian produce and develop concepts that maintain the division\'s competitive edge
* Deliver personalised, trend-aligned culinary experiences that exceed guest expectations across both catering and retail divisions
* Collaborate with event planning, marketing, sales, retail, and F&B managers to ensure kitchen developments are communicated and delegate experience is optimised
* Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including suppliers, vendors, and venue partners to leverage the MCEC brand
* Foster open, transparent communication across the culinary team and departments, ensuring clear conveyance of menu specifications, dietary requirements, and event details
About You
You are a motivated and collaborative culinary leader with experience in large-scale or high-volume environments. You thrive in fast-paced settings, have a strong eye for detail, and pride yourself on delivering exceptional food consistently. You are passionate about developing people, driving innovation, and working as part of a team that strives to set new industry standards.
You will bring:
* Extensive experience as a Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef or Head Chef.
* Strong knowledge of large-scale production and event catering.
* Excellent communication, time management, and organisational skills.
* A commitment to high-quality, sustainable, and innovative food.
* Ability to work flexibly across a rotating 7-day roster.
Why Join MCEC?
* Be part of one of Australia's most dynamic and innovative culinary teams.
* Work in a state-of-the-art kitchen environment supporting globally recognised events.
* Opportunities for professional development, training, and career progression.
* A supportive, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.
Our culture
We're a values-driven team, and success comes from working and celebrating together. We back each other, share the wins, and push for better—because we know that great things happen when we work as one.
Here, you'll have the space to take ownership, challenge ideas, and grow. We believe in doing our best and improving every time. Most importantly, we lead with respect— for each other, for our customers, and for the work we do every day.
Why You'll love it here
* At MCEC, we're all about flexibility, balance, and perks that make a difference—like exclusive discounts, extra leave for life's moments, and subsidised meals at our employee Lounge.
Plus, we\'re committed to your growth, wellbeing, and impact
Career development– Access learning programs to grow and evolve.
Wellbeing support– Enjoy counselling, Healthy Day leave, and financial coaching.
Stay active– Get discounted gym and pool access.
Community impact– We invest $2 million annually in sustainability and inclusivity.
We care about more than just your job title. Our well-being initiatives are here to support you inside and outside of work.
Confidential counselling through our Employee Assistance Program.
Discounted gym and pool access with Fitness Passport.
Financial coaching through Money Assist, because your future is worth investing in.
Ready to Apply?
We'd love to see how your unique experience can add to our team. Apply now or explore all current opportunities.
Acknowledgement of Country
Built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC. We recognise the ongoing significance of the Birrarung to Traditional Owners as a life source and a meeting place for millennia and seek to honour this long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.
Unlock job insights
Your application will include the following questions:
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
* Do you have experience working for a large corporate?
* What\'s your expected annual base salary?
* Are you available to work on a rotating roster?
Our people are the heartbeat of our vibrant community—curious, dedicated, and always brimming with innovative ideas. We thrive on collaboration, believing no challenge is too big when we work together. As an Australian Business Awards Employer of Choice, we offer diverse career opportunities in event planning, operations, food and beverage, marketing, finance, IT, and more.
The Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) is the powerhouse behind two of Victoria's most iconic venues—Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
Our people are the heartbeat of our vibrant community—curious, dedicated, and always brimming with innovative ideas. We thrive on collaboration, believing no challenge is too big when we work together. As an Australian Business Awards Employer of Choice, we offer diverse career opportunities in event planning, operations, food and beverage, marketing, finance, IT, and more.
The Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET) is the powerhouse behind two of Victoria's most iconic venues—Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
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