About us
Geelong Arts Centre is one of eleven Victorian State Government owned creative organisations under the umbrella of Creative Victoria. Since opening in 1981, Geelong Arts Centre has made significant artistic and cultural contributions to Geelong and the surrounding regions.
Geelong Arts Centre is currently undergoing a period of exciting and dynamic change. To meet the cultural needs of a growing population and help secure Geelong’s position as a global city, the Victorian State Government, through Creative Victoria, has committed funding for three stages of capital development. Stage One - the refurbishment of The Playhouse Theatre was completed in 2010. Stage Two - the Ryrie Street Redevelopment ($38.5m) was completed November 2019 and opened to the public on 7th November 2019. Stage Three - The Little Malop Street Redevelopment ($140m) commenced in 2019 and is planned for completion in 2023. This investment will result in a world-class arts facility becoming the cultural heart of Geelong and the G21 region.
Led by a dynamic CEO and Leadership Team, your contribution and expertise will be highly valued. We offer a great working environment in the creative heart of Geelong, working alongside passionate people who are committed to community and the Arts.
About the role
The Casual Chef plays a vital role in bringing Geelong Arts Centre's culinary vision to life, contributing to memorable food experiences that complement and enhance the Centre's vibrant artistic and cultural offerings. Reporting to the Head Chef, this hands-on position works collaboratively within the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, innovative, and visually engaging food across the Centre's diverse hospitality operations, including the café, bars, functions, events, and food-related activations.
Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, the Casual Chef is responsible for food preparation, cooking, production, and presentation, ensuring all menu items are delivered to the highest quality standards and within required service timeframes. Inspired by the creativity and energy of a performing arts environment, the role contributes to establishing the café and catering operations as destinations in their own right through the delivery of fresh, seasonal, and contemporary food experiences.
The Casual Chef may be required to work across a variety of kitchen settings, including permanent and temporary kitchens supporting indoor and outdoor events, performances, festivals, and functions. The role supports the Head Chef in maintaining efficient kitchen operations and may assist with food ordering, stock control, inventory management, menu implementation, and other operational requirements as delegated.
This position requires strong organisational skills, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure while maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, presentation, food safety, and hygiene. In the absence of senior chefs, the Casual Chef may assume responsibility for kitchen operations and provide leadership to ensure seamless service delivery.
Above all, the Casual Chef contributes to a positive, collaborative, and inclusive kitchen culture, helping create exceptional hospitality experiences that delight audiences, artists, visitors, and guests of Geelong Arts Centre.
Essential qualifications and experience
Essential qualifications and experience To be successful in this position, you will have experience in a similar role, in a fast-paced, hands-on and innovative dining environment. Your experience will include but will not be limited to:
• For appointment as chef: Minimum 3-years culinary experience in a similar role.
• For appointment at senior chef: Minimum 5-years culinary experience in a senior chef role, including working as the chef in charge and oversight of the kitchen (an experienced sous chef level is sufficient).
• Commercial cookery qualifications or expertise.
• An attention to detail and eye for beautiful food presentation.
• Knowledge of food allergies and diverse menu requests • A commitment to producing consistent results of a high quality.
• Confidence in your cooking styles and extensive knowledge of various cooking techniques, cuisines, and culinary trends.
• Organisational and time management ability to handle multiple priorities effectively including coordinating with the Front of House staff.
• Teamwork and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with the kitchen team.
• Keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually appealing and delicious dishes.
• A working understanding of and ability to maintain food safety standards.
Other requirements
• Flexibility in working hours to support daytime, evening, and some weekend work will be required as part of the normal hours of duty for this position.
• The following checks, licences and certifications are required for this role:
o Working with Children’s Check (employee)
o Food Handler Supervisor certificate
The employee must provide evidence that they hold current certifications prior to commencing employment with Geelong Arts Centre. The employee must maintain currency of these checks, licences and certifications for the duration of their employment with Geelong Arts Centre.
Position Description
Geelong Arts Centre Enterprise Agreement
Applications close Midnight Thursday 10 September 2026
Sound like you? Then we want to hear from you!
To apply for this opportunity please click the Apply Now button and provide a cover letter including your ability to meet the key requirements outlined in the position description, and a current CV.
Applicants will be required to undergo police and identity screening. First round interviews will be conducted either face-to-face or online. Geelong Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and values the contribution that diversity brings to the workplace.
Geelong Arts Centre is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of all children that interact with our organisation. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.
Geelong Arts Centre encourages and welcomes applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders People.
Applications are open to those with full-working rights in Australia.