Head Chef

Minor Hotels ANZ; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth programs

Hotel discounts worldwide

Global employee perks

Retail rewards program

Discounted experiences

Health insurance options

Generous leave including parental and

Wellness support

Job summary

Oaks Cairns Hotel is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team in a full-time capacity. You will oversee all operations, drive quality and presentation, and ensure WHS/HACCP compliance to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

The successful candidate will mentor staff, develop menus, manage food costs, and collaborate with management on training and strategic initiatives to elevate guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
• Proven experience as Head Chef or senior kitchen leader in a hotel/high-volume environment.
• Strong knowledge of modern cuisine trends.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Strong food cost control and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen team to ensure high performance and adherence to standards.
• Oversee the preparation and cooking of meals to consistently high quality and presentation standards.
• Plan, develop, and implement menus, including seasonal and special offerings, in line with guest expectations and brand standards.
• Monitor food costs, inventory, and stock control to maintain budgetary targets.
• Ensure full compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), HACCP, and all hygiene regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with management to support operational and strategic objectives, including training, rostering, and staff development.
• Continuously review kitchen operations to identify opportunities for efficiency and quality improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Menu planning

Cost control

Team management

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Job Description

Oaks Cairns Hotel are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team on a full-time basis.

This role is essential in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and service are consistently delivered to guests. The successful candidate will inspire and manage the culinary team, drive menu innovation, and maintain efficient, compliant kitchen operations.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen team to ensure high performance and adherence to standards.
• Oversee the preparation and cooking of meals to consistently high quality and presentation standards.
• Plan, develop, and implement menus, including seasonal and special offerings, in line with guest expectations and brand standards.
• Monitor food costs, inventory, and stock control to maintain budgetary targets.
• Ensure full compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), HACCP, and all hygiene regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with management to support operational and strategic objectives, including training, rostering, and staff development.
• Continuously review kitchen operations to identify opportunities for efficiency and quality improvement.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
• Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role within a hotel or high-volume environment.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and modern cuisine trends.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Strong financial awareness, including food cost control and inventory management.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Positive, proactive attitude and genuine passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Additional Information

At Minor Hotels, we value our people as the heart of our success. Joining Minor means, you’ll enjoy a rewarding package designed to support your professional growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance:

What We Offer:

• Career Growth: Learning and developmentprograms to boost your career.
• Exclusive Hotel Deals: 50% off stays at Minor Hotels in Australasia; 20% off for friends and family.
• Global Perks: International accommodation discounts across our hotel brands.
• Retail Rewards: Cashback and discountsat 400+ top retailers in AU/NZ.
• Experiences: Discounted entertainment and activities.
• Banking and Insurance: Exclusive health insurance offers and workplace banking benefits.
• Generous Leave: Parental and birthday leave.
• Wellness Boost: EAP and tailored wellness support.

Our people drive the success of our business; We are a dynamic organisation dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. We invest in your skills and foster a workplace culture that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.

Currently, we are only accepting applications from candidates who have working rights within Australia or New Zealand.