Head Chef

Frontline Recruitment Group; Gladstone Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Supportive ownership

Menu development opportunity

Long-term career

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Frontline Recruitment Group is seeking a Head Chef for a high-volume community pub in Queensland. You will lead menu development, uphold food standards, manage staffing and kitchen culture, and drive profitability while maintaining work‑life balance for the team.

The role is hands-on, with occasional solo shifts, and offers relocation assistance for the right candidate along with a supportive ownership team and long‑term career stability.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume pub/hotel/bistro.
• Strong leadership with mentoring and developing kitchen teams.
• Expertise in food cost, labour, stock management.
• Solid food safety, compliance and WH&S knowledge.
• Passion for quality food, efficient service and guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations and maintain quality standards.
• Lead and mentor a small kitchen team.
• Drive menu development and cost controls.
• Ensure compliance during service, including busy periods.
• Hands-on role, including solo shifts when needed.

Skills

Head Chef

Senior Sous Chef

Leadership

Food cost control

Menu development

Staff mentoring

Labour management

Food safety

Job description

• Lead the kitchen of a high-volume, community-focused pub
• Take ownership of menus, food standards, staffing and kitchen culture
• Genuine work-life balance | Great Community Location

About the Company:

This successful venue has built a reputation as a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With a focus on quality food, excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere, the business continues to grow and invest in both its people and operations. The venue offers a diverse food offering, catering to families, corporate guests, functions and everyday pub diners.

About the Role:

As Head Chef, you'll oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, quality, profitability and compliance. You'll lead and mentor a small kitchen team while driving menu development, cost control and operational excellence. This role requires a strong leader who can balance creativity with commercial performance and maintain high standards during busy service periods. This is a hands on role, where at times you will be working solo.

Your Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a high-volume pub, hotel or bistro environment
• Strong leadership skills with experience training, mentoring and developing kitchen teams
• Solid understanding of food cost control, labour management and stock management
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, kitchen compliance and workplace health and safety standards
• Passion for delivering quality food, efficient service and exceptional guest experiences

Your Benefits and Rewards:

• Competitive salary package based on experience
• Supportive ownership team that values your expertise
• Opportunity to put your stamp on menus and food operations
• Stable, long-term career opportunity with a respected venue
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate