Executive Hotel Chef & Menu Innovator

Minor Hotels; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth

Exclusive hotel deals

Global perks

Retail discounts

Wellness support

Parental leave

Birthday leave

Job summary

Oaks Cairns Hotel, part of Minor Hotels, seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team full-time. You will oversee all kitchen operations, drive menu development, ensure high standards of quality, hygiene, and service, and manage costs effectively.

You will inspire and manage culinary staff, implement seasonal offerings, and collaborate with management to achieve operational goals while maintaining brand standards.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
• Proven experience as a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role in hotel or high-volume settings.
• Strong leadership, communication, and financial awareness for cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen team to achieve high performance.
• Oversee preparation and cooking to ensure high quality and presentation.
• Plan, develop, and implement menus including seasonal offerings aligned with brand standards.
• Monitor food costs, inventory, and stock controls to meet budgets.
• Ensure WHS, HACCP and hygiene compliance across the kitchen.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with management on training, rostering and staff development.
• Continuously review kitchen operations for efficiency and quality improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Cost control

Food preparation

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Oaks Cairns Hotel, part of Minor Hotels, seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team full-time. You will oversee all kitchen operations, drive menu development, ensure high standards of quality, hygiene, and service, and manage costs effectively.

You will inspire and manage culinary staff, implement seasonal offerings, and collaborate with management to achieve operational goals while maintaining brand standards.