Job Overview & Organization Mission

Command woodfire grilling, artisanal Italian butchery, and high-volume dining excellence for an acclaimed Collins Street institution.

Grill Americano at 101 Collins Street, Melbourne, has an opening for a culinary visionary to step in as Director of Culinary / Executive Head Chef. You will direct an expansive open kitchen featuring custom woodfire ovens and charcoal Josper grills, serving world-class bistecca alla Fiorentina and handmade pasta to 400+ discerning guests daily.

As a key member of the team at Lucas Group in Melbourne, VIC, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Direct kitchen: Direct kitchen operations, open-flame cooking, and culinary presentation for high-profile dining guests.
• Source rare-breed: Source rare-breed Australian beef, dry-aging cellars, and seasonal Mediterranean ingredients.
• Manage kitchen: Manage kitchen operational economics, food gross margins, and wage control metrics.
• Foster a: Foster a culture of culinary excellence, respect, and technical mentorship within a large kitchen brigade.
• Collaborate with: Collaborate with Chris Lucas and executive leadership on future dining concepts.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Lucas Group, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Commercial Cookery Trade Certificate (Cert IV) & Extensive Multi-Venue Culinary Leadership.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• Cert IV in Commercial Cookery.
• Proven background as Executive Chef in high-volume, premier quality restaurants (Two/Three Chef Hats).
• Demonstrated mastery of woodfire cooking, classic Italian cuisine, and dry-aged charcuterie.
• Charismatic leadership and composure during intense high-volume dinner services.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Lucas Group, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$160,000 – AU$195,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Market-leading salary package $160,000 – $195,000 + 11.5% super + lucrative performance bonus.
• Prestige appointment at Melbourne’s most iconic dining address: 101 Collins Street.
• Comprehensive health, dining allowance, and global culinary research tours.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Lucas Group

The Lucas Group operates landmark culinary establishments celebrated for culinary innovation, hospitality design, and service.

Lucas Group is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Lucas Group careers gateway.