Chef

Hats on Queen; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Immediate Start

Great Work-Life Balance

Compliance & Transparency

Long-term Sponsorship Pathway

CBD Location near Central Station

Staff meals & employee discounts

Job summary

Hats on Queen in Brisbane CBD seeks an energetic, well-organised Chef to join our core kitchen team with an IMMEDIATE START. You’ll drive fast-paced brunch and daytime lunch service, and play a key role in Conference Catering, corporate lunches, and private functions.

We require 1–2 years of commercial kitchen experience, strong organizational habits, and reliable early-morning availability. Visa/work rights must be current for at least 6–12 months.

Qualifications

• Availability for immediate or short-notice start.
• Minimum 1–2 years of commercial kitchen experience as a Cook or Chef.
• Very high standards for organization, labeling and cleanliness.
• Confidence on fast-paced breakfast line and batch catering prep.
• Current Australian working rights with ≥6–12 months remaining.

Responsibilities

• Daily Brunch Line: execute high-volume breakfast and lunch with 12–15 min tickets.
• Conference & Function Catering: set up and present corporate catering menus to high standards.
• Kitchen Preparation & Section Ownership: manage mise en place for cafe and catering events.
• Food Safety & HACCP: maintain temperature logs, FIFO, allergen management.
• Teamwork & Communication: collaborate with exec chef, kitchen hands and front-of-house.

Education

Trade-qualified Chef

Job description

Conveniently located at Mantra on Queen in the heart of Brisbane CBD, Hats on Queen is a premium cafe and dining destination known for specialty coffee, vibrant Modern Australian brunch, and tailored corporate conference catering. Led by Executive Chef Benji, our kitchen brigade takes pride in culinary precision, fresh seasonal produce, and a clean, structured kitchen environment where high standards are respected.

About the Role

We are seeking an energetic, well-organised, and trade-qualified Chef to join our core kitchen team, with an IMMEDIATE START available for the right candidate.

In this role, the majority of your weekly shifts will be dedicated to executing our fast-paced daily Brunch and daytime lunch menu. You will also play an integral part in preparing and executing Conference Catering, corporate delegate lunches, morning/afternoon teas, and private function packages.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Brunch Line: Execute high-volume breakfast and lunch orders with speed and consistency, maintaining ticket delivery within 12 to 15 minutes.
• Conference & Function Catering: Prepare, set up, and present corporate catering buffets, delegate morning/afternoon teas, and function menus to high presentation standards.
• Kitchen Preparation & Section Ownership: Manage your section mise en place efficiently to ensure smooth transitions between daily cafe service and scheduled catering events.
• Food Safety & HACCP: Complete daily temperature logs accurately, practice strict FIFO labeling and rotation, and enforce correct allergen management protocols.
• Teamwork & Communication: Work cooperatively with the Executive Chef, kitchen hands, and front-of-house team to deliver seamless service.

What We Are Looking For

• Availability: Available for an immediate or short-notice start;
• Experience: Minimum 1 to 2 years of commercial kitchen experience as a qualified Cook or Chef;
• Super Organised Mindset: Exceptional organizational habits and attention to detail. You take genuine pride in pristine labeling, clean section setups, and tidy walk-ins. (Our Executive Chef has an uncompromising eye for order, cleanliness, and detail—if you thrive in a spotless, highly disciplined kitchen where everything has its place, you will love working here!);
• Practical Skills: Confident on a fast-paced breakfast line (pan work, egg cookery, sauces) as well as batch catering preparation;
• Current Visa & Work Rights: You must currently hold valid, unrestricted Australian working rights with a minimum of 6 to 12 months remaining on your current visa (e.g. Subclass 485, permanent residency, or equivalent unrestricted working visa);
• Reliability: Dependable punctuality for morning service starts (typically between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM).

Employer Sponsorship Policy (Transparent Guidelines)

• Sponsorship eligibility is evaluated strictly AFTER a minimum of 6 months of continuous full-time employment, based on proven kitchen performance, reliability, leadership fit, and mutual agreement;
• Candidates must already hold sufficient valid working rights to complete this initial 6-month qualifying period;
• We CANNOT accept applications from candidates whose visas are expiring imminently or who require immediate visa sponsorship upon commencement.

What We Offer You

• Immediate Start: Step straight into a stable, well-organized kitchen environment;
• Great Work-Life Balance: Daytime-focused hours with no late-night finishes;
• Compliance & Transparency: Full Modern Award entitlements with on-time electronic payroll via Xero and Tanda;
• Long-term Pathway: Genuine employer sponsorship opportunities for proven, dedicated talent;
• Convenient CBD Location: Close to Central Station and major bus routes;
• Staff Perks: Complimentary delicious staff meals and employee discounts.