Head Chef

iranad; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Iranad is expanding its café in Underwood and seeks a hands-on Head Chef to develop the menu, prepare the kitchen for launch, and lead ongoing operations. You will work directly with the owner, shaping the menu and kitchen setup with input on recipes, costs, and standards.

You will mix creative cooking with practical organisation, taking charge of menu development, pricing, and kitchen routines while building a capable team and ensuring safety and quality during service.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef or lead kitchen experience.
• Strong background in café-style breakfast and brunch.
• Experience in menu development and recipe costing.
• Experience with kitchen operations and stock control.
• Opening or launch experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and cost a practical café menu, focusing on breakfast and brunch, with pizza/snacks/desserts as options.
• Test and document recipes, portion sizes, presentation standards and costs.
• Establish preparation routines, ordering, stock control and waste management.
• Support launch prep and kitchen setup for the new kitchen.
• Lead service, maintain quality and presentation.
• Recruit, train and supervise kitchen staff as the team grows.
• Maintain food safety and allergen management standards.

Skills

Head Chef leadership

Cafe breakfast/brunch

Menu development

Recipe costing

Kitchen operations

Staff recruitment/training

Food safety & allergen management

Job description

We are expanding our existing café in Underwood, with a new kitchen currently being fitted out. We’re looking for a hands‑on Head Chef to help develop our food offering, prepare the kitchen for launch and lead its ongoing operation.

Working directly with the owner, you’ll have meaningful input into the menu and kitchen setup. You’ll combine creative cooking with practical organisation, food costing and team leadership.

The role

• Develop and cost a practical café menu with a strong focus on breakfast and brunch, working with the owner to select suitable pizza, snack and dessert options.
• Test and document recipes, portion sizes, presentation standards and food costs.
• Establish preparation routines, ordering, stock control and waste management.
• Help identify essential kitchen requirements and prepare for launch.
• Take an active role in cooking during service, maintaining consistent quality and presentation.
• Help recruit, train and supervise kitchen staff as the team develops.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene and allergen management standards.

About you

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, or an experienced Sous Chef ready to lead a kitchen.
• A strong background in café-style breakfast and brunch.
• Practical experience in menu development, recipe costing and kitchen operations.
• Additional skills in pizza or café-style desserts, such as waffles and churros, would be an advantage.
• An organised, reliable approach and clear communication with the owner and team.
• Previous kitchen opening or menu launch experience would be an advantage.

What we offer

• A permanent, full-time position with ongoing kitchen leadership responsibility.
• The opportunity to shape the menu and establish kitchen systems from the beginning.
• Direct collaboration with the owner, with room to contribute and develop your ideas.

Examples of menus or dishes you have developed are welcome.