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 Head Chef is responsible for ensuring the highest levels of food preparation, presentation, hygiene and safety are maintained. This role is very much ‘hands-on’, and the Head Chef must demonstrate a positive and proactive approach to the leadership and management of the team to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the main kitchen. The kitchen operation supports experiences across all food & beverage events, including foodservice within the cafe, retail bars, and any function or food related activations required. The position contributes to delivering distinctive experience through the delivery of high quality, innovative and competitively priced menus, products and services.
As Head Chef you will have a thorough understanding of menu planning, food costings and purchasing, managing the financial KPIs enabling business success, health and safety including hygiene procedures, event delivery, induction, training and management of staff within the Kitchen Team. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining an effective relationship with senior staff and work collaboratively alongside the Experience team to provide a complete catering experience.
Essential qualifications and experience
To be successful in this position, you will have experience in a similar role, a passion for the arts and thrive in a high-energy, innovative environment. Your experience will include but will not be limited to:
● Minimum Certificate III Commercial Cookery (or similar)
● 5+ years experience as a Chef in a medium sized venue or higher capacity kitchen, including business acumen to make sound decisions about menu planning, pricing and kitchen operations.
● A customer service focus, with the ability to surprise and delight our guests with innovative and stylish food through your team’s delivery.
● Excellent organisational skills to ensure the smooth running of a kitchen and demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities and client needs during multiple events.
● Demonstrated experience in designing menus, managing food costs and reporting on financial performance.
● Leadership ability, with previous experience mentoring your team and apprentices in the kitchen to further enhance the quality of event or function delivery.
Special requirements
• Flexibility in working hours to support daytime, evening and 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 A current 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 Monday 19 January 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.