Head Chef

Compass Group Pty Limited; City of Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On site parking

Salary packaging options

Access to 100+ retail discounts

12 weeks of paid parental leave for 1°

Access to training & development

Job summary

Compass Group Australia is seeking a Head Chef to lead and develop the kitchen team in a world‑class airport lounge. The role focuses on consistent, premium food presentation and guest experiences across lounge services.

You will manage inventory, control costs, and ensure HACCP and hygiene standards are met while driving food quality and allergen controls in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Cert III Commercial Cookery and Food Safety Supervisor certification are required.
• Experience leading and developing kitchen teams and maintaining high service standards.
• Strong cost control, waste minimisation, and HACCP compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team by mentoring chefs and catering attendants and fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Drive consistency and quality across all lounge services, ensuring premium presentation standards.
• Oversee inventory and procurement with strong cost control and proactive waste‑minimisation strategies.
• Ensure full HACCP and hygiene compliance while upholding strict brand and safety standards.
• Support daily service to maintain seamless, high‑quality guest experiences.
• Maintain rigorous food safety and allergen controls with strong OHS awareness.
• Champion exceptional food quality and presentation in a world‑class airport lounge environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Financial acumen

Food safety

Education

Cert III Commercial Cookery

Food Safety Supervisor certification

Job description

Head Chef

$90,000 + 12% Superannuation

• Exceptional Work-Life Balance
• Monday to Friday role with minimal evenings and no fixed weekend roster
• Opportunity to work at a world class airport lounge

Compass Group Australia's dedicated Airline Lounge business delivers specialist services to meet the needs of travellers across lounge industries. We pride ourselves on fresh and delicious offerings while balancing lower carbon intensive menu options; The delivery of our services allows us to partner with clients and reducing the impact of the lounge operations on the planet.

The Position

• Lead and develop the kitchen team by mentoring chefs and catering attendants and fostering a high‑performance culture
• Drive consistency and quality across all lounge services, ensuring premium presentation standards
• Oversee inventory and procurement with strong cost control and proactive waste‑minimisation strategies
• Ensure full HACCP and hygiene compliance while upholding strict brand and safety standards
• Support daily service to maintain seamless, high-quality guest experiences
• Maintain rigorous food safety and allergen controls with strong OHS awareness
• Champion exceptional food quality and presentation in a world‑class airport lounge environment

The Person

• Positive, energising presence who builds trust and momentum within the kitchen team
• Strong communicator and decision‑maker with excellent analytical and problem‑solving capability
• Financially proactive operator skilled in managing food costs, margins and overall kitchen performance
• Deep understanding of food safety, compliance and WHS obligations
• Passionate team developer committed to mentoring and leading high‑performing culinary teams
• Calm, solutions‑focused leader who thrives in a fast‑paced lounge environment
• Cert III Commercial Cookery and Food Safety Supervisor certification
• Experienced people manager with a track record of leading and developing diverse teams
• Strong allergen and infection control knowledge with rigorous safety awareness

The Benefits

• On site parking
• Multiple salary packaging options to make your dollar go further
• Access to 100+ retail discounts
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave for primary carers
• Access to a wide variety of training & development