Head Chef

The Lion Richlands; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PRIDE Incentive Program

Career progression opportunities

Extensive training and development

Secure, ongoing employment

Supportive and professional management

Free meals and soft drinks while on sh

Free onsite parking

35% staff dining discount on days off

Job summary

The Lion Richlands in Brisbane is seeking a Head Chef to lead our busy café kitchen, delivering top‑quality meals, upholding strict food safety standards, and driving a positive, high‑performing kitchen culture.

You will steer menu development, mentor the kitchen team, control costs, and ensure an outstanding guest experience, with hands‑on leadership and opportunities for professional progression.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Chef in a high-volume hospitality venue.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Passion for delivering high‑quality food and guest experiences.
• Solid understanding of food safety legislation and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen team.
• Managing daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
• Planning, developing and implementing menus and seasonal specials.
• Maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Managing food costs, stock control, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements.
• Rostering and managing kitchen labour costs in line with business objectives.
• Training and coaching team members to support performance and career development.
• Monitoring kitchen equipment and coordinating maintenance requirements.
• Working collaboratively with management to achieve operational and financial targets.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Cost management

Food safety knowledge

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Commercial cookery qualifications

Food safety certifications

Job description

As the Head Chef, you will lead our busy and dynamic kitchen operation in our award-winning Café. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing all kitchen café operations, delivering high-quality food offerings, maintaining exceptional food safety standards, and driving a positive and high-performing kitchen culture. You will play a key role in menu development, team leadership, cost control, and ensuring a consistently outstanding guest experience.

About the role

As the Head Chef, you will lead our busy and dynamic kitchen operation in our award-winning Café. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing all kitchen café operations, delivering high-quality food offerings, maintaining exceptional food safety standards, and driving a positive and high-performing kitchen culture. You will play a key role in menu development, team leadership, cost control, and ensuring a consistently outstanding guest experience.

What’s in it for you?

We believe great people deserve great conditions. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• PRIDE Incentive Program
• Career progression opportunities
• Extensive training and development
• Secure, ongoing employment
• Supportive and professional management team
• Free meals and soft drinks while on shift
• Free onsite parking
• 35% staff dining discount on days off

Key responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen team
• Managing daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient and effective service delivery
• Planning, developing and implementing menus and seasonal specials
• Maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency
• Managing food costs, stock control, ordering and supplier relationships
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements
• Rostering and managing kitchen labour costs in line with business objectives
• Training and coaching team members to support performance and career development
• Monitoring kitchen equipment and coordinating maintenance requirementsWorking collaboratively with management to achieve operational and financial targets

About you

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or Senior Chef in a high-volume hospitality venue
• Strong leadership, communication and people management skills
• Passionate about delivering high-quality food and exceptional guest experiences
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation and compliance requirements
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Experience with menu planning, stock control and cost management
• Capable of leading a team in a fast-paced environment
• Flexible and available to work a varied roster, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
• Relevant commercial cookery qualifications and food safety certifications

Benefits

• A leadership role within a large and diverse hospitality operation
• Competitive remuneration package
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• A supportive and collaborative management team
• Staff benefits and discounts
• The opportunity to influence menus, kitchen culture and operational excellence

If you're an experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about developing teams and delivering exceptional food experiences, we'd love to hear from you.