Group
Occupation
161632 Senior Chef
Latest release
Consultation draft: Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA)
Reference period
August 2026
Released
17/08/2026
First release
161632 Senior Chef
Leads and manages the operation of a commercial kitchen or kitchens, with responsibility for menu development, staffing, financial performance, procurement, compliance and food quality outcomes.
Chefs are excluded from this occupation. Chefs are included in Occupation 321132 Chef.
Specialisations
- Executive Chef
- Head Chef
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Develops and monitors kitchen budgets, considering labour, ingredient and equipment costs
- Designs and plans menus based on seasonal trends, customer preferences and costs
- Oversees the recruitment, development and training of Chefs and other kitchen staff
- Assigns tasks and responsibilities to Chefs and Cooks
- Oversees the preparation and presentation of dishes
- Uses and teaches advanced culinary skills and techniques required to prepare menu pieces
- Inspects ingredients and dishes to ensure quality standards are met
- Enforces strict adherence to health and safety regulations in the kitchen