HEAD CHEF

Full Time | Karana Community - Kew (VIC) | $85,400 - $94,900 TRP!

At Baptcare’ s Karana Community in Kew, food is more than a service—it is a moment of joy, a source of comfort, and a highlight our residents genuinely look forward to every day. This is your chance to lead a kitchen where your creativity, care, and leadership truly make an impact.

If you are ready for a role that feeds more than just appetite, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE DIFFERENT

• No late nights. No chaotic service periods. Predictable hours that give your life back.
• Run your kitchen your way — full autonomy, real leadership responsibility, and the support of a values-led organisation.
• Salary packaging up to $18,550 per year — meaning more take-home pay on top of your base.
• Real relationships — you will know the people you cook for by name.

THE ROLE

As Head Chef at Karana Community, you won’t just run a kitchen—you’ll own it. This is your chance to create food that truly matters, leading a close-knit team while making a real difference in people’s day.

• Create fresh, seasonal menus residents get excited about
• Connect with residents, bring their feedback to life, and make every plate personal
• Lead, mentor, and inspire your kitchen team
• Take charge of ordering, stock, and budgets like it’s your own operation
• Keep standards high with food safety and quality at the core
• Get creative with special events and celebrations that bring the whole community together

This is more than a Head Chef role—it’s your opportunity to cook with purpose, lead with heart, and love what you do again.

ABOUT YOU

You don’t need aged care experience to succeed here — you need the right skills and the right values.

• Qualified Chef (Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent)
• Proven experience as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef in a quality, fast-paced kitchen
• Strong leadership presence and the ability to develop your team
• Well-organised, cost-conscious, and solutions-focused under pressure
• Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
• NDIS Worker Screening or willingness to undergo a National Police Check

ABOUT BAPTCARE

We are proud to be part of the merged care organisation that will be known nationally as BaptistCare. As a for purpose, Christian care organisation, we are committed to providing exceptional support and services across Australia.  Together with BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA we employ over 12,000 dedicated employees and support over 38,000 customers to help people live well with dignity and purpose. From older Australians and their families to people facing significant disadvantage, our passion and our priority are the customers we serve. We strive to deliver care as it should be – with people right at the centre.

READY TO BRING YOUR SKILLS SOMEWHERE THEY REALLY MATTER?

Hit ‘Apply’ now — we’d love to hear from you.

Questions? Contact Mamta Sharma at talent@baptcare.org.au

Please note that applications must be submitted through our online system, as we are unable to accept applications via email. We kindly request that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us or submitting candidates for this position.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

At Baptcare, we value diversity in all forms and aim to co-create inclusive experiences and communities with our employees, volunteers, the people we work alongside and our partners. We are committed to diversity and inclusion across all we do and to building communities and workplaces where everyone belongs.

Baptcare is dedicated to the safety, empowerment, and participation of all children. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to a thoughtful, protective environment that supports infants, children, and young people to feel safe and respected.

Baptcare (VIC, TAS) is proud to be working towards uniting with BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA) and Baptist Care SA, to create a newly merged national care organisation committed to providing exceptional support and services across Australia. Together, we are building on a shared history of care and compassion, expanding our reach, and strengthening our mission to help people live well with dignity and purpose.