Head Chef

Love playful Italian flavours and the buzz of a busy service? Studio Amaro is calling.

Studio Amaro is on the hunt for a Full-Time Head Chef to lead our dynamic kitchen team. This role is perfect for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, inspires their team, and is committed to delivering exceptional food quality and memorable guest experiences.

Working closely with the broader leadership team, you will have the opportunity to influence menu development, mentor emerging talent, and contribute to the continued success of a growing hospitality group. This role is ideal for an experienced Head Chef or a strong senior kitchen leader ready to step into a key leadership position.

About Studio Amaro & Commune Group
Studio Amaro brings an elevated Italian dining experience to Melbourne’s inner east, where classic techniques meet contemporary flair. As part of Commune Group, you’ll work alongside some of the city’s most talented chefs and hospitality professionals, supported by a team that values growth, collaboration, and passion for exceptional food and service.

What You’ll Tackle Daily:

As Head Chef, you will lead all aspects of kitchen operations while maintaining exceptional standards of quality, consistency, and team performance. Here's a taste of what you'll be doing:

• Leading and motivating a high-performing back-of-house team

• Managing kitchen operations, service standards, and workflow efficiency

• Overseeing rostering, labour management, and food cost control

• Coaching, mentoring, and developing junior chefs and kitchen staff

• Collaborating on menu development and continuous culinary improvement

This role suits an experienced hospitality leader looking to further develop their commercial, leadership, and menu innovation skills within a growing group.

What You Bring to the Table:

We’re looking for a passionate, hands-on leader who thrives under pressure, values team culture, and leads by example. If this sounds like you, let’s talk!

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership position

• Experience leading a high-volume restaurant kitchen

• Proven experience leading an Italian or modern Italian kitchen

• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop teams

• Demonstrated experience managing teams of 10+ back-of-house staff

• A hands-on leadership style, leading by example on the kitchen floor and actively supporting service operations

• Excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills

• Strong understanding of food cost control, labour management, and rostering

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage food cost (COGS), labour budgets, and achieve financial performance targets

• Ability to maintain consistency and quality during busy service periods

• Proven ability to deliver exceptional food quality and efficient service in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

• Passion for accountability, continuous improvement, and positive team culture

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

At The Commune Group, we’re not just offering a job, we’re offering a place where you can grow, learn, and make a difference. Here’s what makes us special:

• Epic perks – 30% dining discount + daily staff meals

• Excellent work-life balance

• Opportunities to work across different venues, cuisines, and concepts

• Career development within a growing hospitality group

• Fun, energetic, and supportive workplace culture

• Work alongside passionate hospitality professionals

Mission & Core Values:

At Commune, our people and food are at the heart of everything we do. We live our values every day:

• Human Connection – Every interaction matters; listen actively and care genuinely

• Teamwork – Trust, respect, and look after one another

• Guest & Service Obsessed – Personalise experiences; hospitality is a passion

• Say What you Mean, Do What You Say – Accountability builds trust

• Fun Energy is Contagious – positive teams create exceptional experiences

• No D***heads – Leave Your Ego at the Door

How to Apply:

Apply via the Seek portal. For further information, please contact us at ••••@thesavegroup.com.au

Commune Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.