Chef

Gustave; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Gustave in Cairns is seeking a qualified chef to take ownership of a small kitchen. You will manage day-to-day operations, lead service, and contribute to a developing menu in a warm, collaborative environment.

We value passion for fresh, seasonal produce and the ability to work independently while keeping high standards. This role offers a hands-on, creative kitchen with room to imprint your own stamp on the menu.

Qualifications

• Qualified chef with professional kitchen experience.
• Solid knowledge of French cuisine and fundamentals of classic French cooking.
• Experience running a kitchen or leading a section during service.
• Ability to manage prep, ordering, stock control and food costs.
• Strong organisational skills and focus on food safety and hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day running of the kitchen, from preparation and service through to menu development.
• Ordering and maintaining a clean, organised and efficient workspace.
• Managing prep, ordering, stock control and food costs.
• Leading service and managing a section.
• Contributing ideas and developing the menu.
• Maintaining high standards and consistency.

Skills

French cuisine

Kitchen leadership

Food cost control

Stock management

Job description

We're looking for a chef who can take ownership of a small kitchen, maintain high standards and bring both skill and personality to the team. You'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, from preparation and service through to menu development, ordering and maintaining a clean, organised and efficient workspace. This is an opportunity to be part of something from the ground up, with room to contribute ideas, develop the menu and put your own stamp on the kitchen.

Key responsibilities

Day-to-day running of the kitchen, from preparation and service through to menu development

Ordering and maintaining a clean, organised and efficient workspace

Managing prep, ordering, stock control and food costs

Leading service and managing a section

Contributing ideas and developing the menu

Maintaining high standards and consistency

About you

A qualified chef with a minimum of four years' professional kitchen experience

Solid knowledge of French cuisine is essential, with understanding of French flavours, techniques and the foundations of classic French cooking

Experience running a kitchen or confidently managing a section and leading service

Genuine passion for fresh, seasonal produce and cooking from scratch

Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage prep, ordering, stock control and food costs

Good understanding of food safety, hygiene and kitchen procedures

Ability to work independently, manage pressure during service and maintain consistency

Positive attitude, pride in your work and the ability to contribute to a supportive team environment

About us

A little French bistro with a lot of character in Cairns. Our vision is simple: a relaxed, welcoming bistro built around beautiful fresh produce, honest French cooking, a small and thoughtful menu, and a genuine love of good food. With approximately 35 seats, we're creating an intimate dining experience where quality comes first. We believe in cooking with the seasons, keeping things fresh, respecting classic French techniques and delivering food that speaks for itself.

Salary from $75,000 per year + superannuation, depending on experience

The opportunity to help shape a new French-style bistro and its menu

A small kitchen where your work and ideas genuinely matter

Creative input into seasonal dishes, specials and menu development

A focused menu that prioritises quality, freshness and consistency

A close-knit team and a hands-on, collaborative working environment

The opportunity to build something with character rather than simply follow an established menu