Production Head Chef - Central Kitchen

Run the central kitchen behind two AYCE Japanese BBQ restaurants. Weekday production, no service nights, bonus on achieving and maintaining the food cost target.

Yaki Jin operates two all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ restaurants in Melbourne, supported by our central kitchen in Keysborough.
We’re looking for a Head Chef to run that kitchen.
This isn’t a restaurant service role. There’s no pass and no dinner rush. It’s a hands-on production job covering wagyu and salmon breakdown, slicing, skewers, sauces and purchasing. You’ll lead a team of around six and you are expected to have strong organisation skills.
You’ll also be responsible for food cost across the group. It’s a number you’ll own, and there’s a bonus when you hit the agreed target.
There’s room to build something here, too. We’re developing takeaway, catering and retail lines from the central kitchen, including beef tallow and beef chips made from trim we currently throw away. If you’ve wanted to develop a product, we’ll give you the kitchen, supply and backing to do it.
As those parts of the business grow, this role can grow into Group Executive Chef.
The schedule is weekday production. No Friday night service. Ever.
What we’re looking for:

At least three years running production in a central kitchen, catering business, smallgoods operation or high-volume Asian kitchen

Passion for food and creativity

Strong protein breakdown and slicing skills

A solid understanding of yields, stock counts, purchasing and food cost

The ability to lead a production team and keep standards consistent

Japanese cuisine, BBQ or product-development experience is useful, but not essential

Strong communication and negotiation skills. Commercial accumen is highly regarded

Pay is $80,000 to $110,000 plus super, depending on experience. There’s also a bonus tied to the food-cost target.
This is a salaried contract position. Visa sponsorship through the 482 or 186 pathway is available for the right person.
The trial day is paid. You’ll break down a primal and cost a line. No free auditions.
Apply with your CV. We would love to read about what kind of impact you can have on Yaki Jin and what your greatest achievements in your career have been thus far.