About Us Oscar's Hangout is more than just a cafe; we are a beloved local institution housed within the heritage-listed former "Tote" building of the old Mordialloc Racecourse. We've transformed this historic space into a warm, family-friendly hub known for our exceptional Modern Australian food, great coffee, and welcoming community atmosphere. We are seeking a passionate and skilled Chef to lead our kitchen. If you take pride in creating beautiful food that keeps locals coming back week after week, and you thrive in a supportive, team-oriented environment, we want to hear from you. The Role As our Chef, you will be the creative and operational heart of our kitchen. You will be responsible for everything from designing our seasonal menu to managing day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and leading our kitchen team. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who loves the energy of a busy service and is dedicated to mentoring their team to achieve excellence. Key Responsibilities Menu & Financial Management: Plan and develop seasonal menus that reflect our modern Australian style and appeal to our local community. Estimate and manage food and labour costs, order supplies efficiently, and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to meet budgetary goals while never compromising on quality. Quality Control: Monitor the quality of dishes at all stages of preparation and presentation. Ensure every plate that leaves the pass—from our hearty breakfasts to our signature lunch burgers—meets our exceptional standards. Hands-On Culinary Leadership: Lead by example on the line, particularly during our busy breakfast and lunch services. Prepare and cook food alongside your team, maintaining speed, consistency, and a positive attitude under pressure. Leadership & Collaboration: Discuss food preparation and service issues with the front-of-house manager and staff to ensure seamless communication. Demonstrate techniques, advise on cooking procedures, and foster a collaborative and respectful kitchen culture. Compliance & Training: Uphold the highest standards of hygiene and food safety (HACCP). Train and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring everyone understands and follows all safety and sanitation procedures. Oversee the proper handling, storage, and preservation of ingredients. What We Are Looking For Proven at least one-year experience as a Chef, Sous Chef, or Senior Cook in a high-quality, high-volume cafe or restaurant environment. A genuine passion for Modern Australian cuisine with a creative flair for breakfast and lunch menus. Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage, inspire, and train a small, dedicated team. Solid understanding of kitchen financials, including menu costing, wage control, and inventory management. An unwavering commitment to quality control and a keen eye for detail. In-depth knowledge of and a proactive approach to hygiene and food safety regulations (HACCP). The ability to remain calm, resilient, and organised during busy services. Relevant commercial cookery qualifications are highly regarded. Why Join Oscar's Hangout? Competitive Salary: We offer an attractive remuneration package based on experience, acknowledging the vital role you'll play in our success. Work-Life Balance: We are open Tuesday to Sunday (8 am – 3 pm), with no late nights. This allows for a routine that supports a healthy work-life balance. A Unique & Supportive Environment: Be a key leader in a well-respected, established local venue. Work in a character-filled, heritage space with a friendly team that values your contribution. Community Focused: Enjoy being part of a cafe that is genuinely loved by its community, where you can build relationships with regular customers who appreciate great food. How to Apply Ready to bring your culinary passion to Mordialloc and lead the kitchen at Oscar's Hangout? We'd love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you'd be a great fit for our team or drop it into the cafe. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining the Oscar's Hangout team.
