Chef

Nu Nu Restaurant; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Internal promotions

Paid time off

Rewards program

Job summary

Nu Nu Restaurant in Palm Cove, Queensland, is seeking a talented Chef to lead our kitchen team and uphold high culinary standards. This full-time, permanent role offers growth, recognition, and a supportive culture that rewards dedication and skill.

Located on the Esplanade in Palm Cove, the restaurant operates 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The incumbent will mentor staff, source local produce, and ensure exceptional dining experiences that reinforce the restaurant’s

Qualifications

• Diploma Level Qualification or a minimum of 3 years relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop menus and plan dishes to align with the restaurant’s standards.
• Source and order high-quality food supplies.
• Inspect ingredients and food items to ensure freshness and quality.
• Manage stock levels, rotate stock (FIFO), and minimise waste.
• Support sustainable kitchen practices by sourcing seasonal and local produce.
• Prepare and cook dishes to consistently high standards.
• Adapt meals to meet special dietary needs and allergen requirements.
• Monitor and regulate the temperature of ovens, grills, and other kitchen equipment.
• Cater for events and functions when required.
• Oversee food preparation at every stage to maintain quality and consistency.
• Ensure dishes are presented to the highest standards.
• Enforce hygiene, food safety, and workplace health & safety requirements.
• Maintain records such as temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and compliance documentation.
• Follow emergency procedures, including safe equipment use, fire safety, and first aid basics.
• Collaborate with managers, kitchen staff, and front‑of‑house staff on food preparation and service.
• Demonstrate cooking techniques and provide guidance on best practices.
• Train, mentor, and support junior kitchen staff and apprentices.

Skills

Meat cookery

Leadership

Apprentice mentoring

Fast-paced

Education

Diploma Level Qualification

Job description

We are seeking a talented and passionate Chef to help lead our kitchen team and deliver exceptional dining experiences. This role is central to maintaining the high culinary standards of our restaurant, combining creativity, skill, and attention to detail in every dish.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, values teamwork, and is committed to mentoring and inspiring kitchen staff. They bring a strong knowledge of ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation, while ensuring a safe, hygienic, and well-organised kitchen.

Our kitchen offers opportunities for professional growth, recognition for excellence, and a supportive culture that rewards dedication and skill. As a Chef, you will play a key role in shaping the dining experience and upholding the reputation of our acclaimed restaurant.

The candidate will be working in Palm Cove QLD 4879, this is a full-time permanent position.

Benefits

Be part of the region’s most celebrated restaurant. We’re committed to your growth, with career development, internal promotions, paid time off, and a rewards program that recognises great work.

Task & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop menus and plan dishes to align with the restaurant’s standards.
• Source and order high-quality food supplies.
• Inspect ingredients and food items to ensure freshness and quality.
• Manage stock levels, rotate stock (FIFO), and minimise waste.
• Support sustainable kitchen practices by sourcing seasonal and local produce.

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare & cook dishes to consistently high standards.
• Adapt meals to meet special dietary needs and allergen requirements.
• Monitor and regulate the temperature of ovens, grills, and other kitchen equipment.
• Cater for events and functions when required.

Quality Control & Presentation

• Oversee food preparation at every stage to maintain quality and consistency.
• Ensure dishes are presented to the highest standards.

Compliance, Safety & Hygiene

• Enforce hygiene, food safety, and workplace health & safety requirements.
• Maintain records such as temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and compliance documentation.
• Follow emergency procedures, including safe equipment use, fire safety, and first aid basics.

Teamwork & Training

• Collaborate with managers, kitchen staff, and front‑of‑house staff on food preparation and service.
• Demonstrate cooking techniques and provide guidance on best practices.
• Train, mentor, and support junior kitchen staff and apprentices.

Qualification & experience

Diploma Level Qualification or a minimum of 3 years relevant experience

About Company

We are looking for a chef to join our dynamic kitchen brigade. Nu Nu Restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

Located on the Esplanade in Palm Cove - there is no better place to work!

Nu Nu Restaurant (ABN: 72 350 830 162) has been recognised as the Good Food Guide's ‘Regional Restaurant of the Year’. You will be working in FNQ's most dynamic & exciting kitchen utilising local market produce and local tropical ingredients

Preferred skills

• Strong experience in meat cookery
• Strong leadership & organisational skills
• Ability to run a section & mentor apprentices
• Experience working in a busy, fast paced environment
• Be motivated, professional and maintain a positive attitude

Work Type: Full time

Salary: $80000-85000

Job Publish: 13-11-2026

Job Expire: 13-12-2026