Head Chef

Palm Springs Burleigh; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Palm Springs Burleigh on the Gold Coast is seeking an experienced Head Chef to own and lead our busy breakfast and brunch kitchen. You will manage the kitchen team, drive menu development with management, and maintain high standards across service.

We value strong leadership, organisation, and a hands-on approach to ensure efficient kitchen operations, cost controls, and exceptional guest experiences in a vibrant hospitality setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
• Strong experience in a high-volume breakfast/brunch environment
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Strong understanding of food costs, labour and kitchen targets
• Experience with rostering and ordering
• High standards of food quality, consistency and presentation
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards
• Lead by example during busy services and stay hands-on

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team day-to-day
• Oversee breakfast/brunch service in a fast-paced environment
• Develop and curate seasonal menus with management
• Manage kitchen rostering and labour targets
• Oversee food ordering, stock levels and supplier relationships
• Monitor food costs and wastage across operations
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff during service

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership & communication

Breakfast/brunch expertise

Food cost & labour control

Menu development

Rostering & ordering

Food safety & quality

Job description

We are an established hospitality business that has been operating for 6 years, with a strong focus on quality food, great service and a fun, energetic atmosphere.

Our kitchen is fast-paced and busy, particularly across breakfast and brunch service, and we're looking for a Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen and work closely with management to maintain and continue to develop the business.

We have a fun and dynamic team and are looking for someone who will bring strong leadership, organisation and a positive attitude to the role.

THE ROLE

HEAD CHEF

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and oversee the day-to-day operation of our busy breakfast and brunch kitchen.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the kitchen team day-to-day
• Create and maintain a positive, productive kitchen culture
• Breakfast and brunch experience is essential
• Develop and curate seasonal menus alongside management
• Manage kitchen rostering and labour targets
• Oversee food ordering, stock levels and supplier relationships
• Monitor food costs, wastage and overall kitchen performance
• Work within agreedfood cost targets
• Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency and presentation
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness, organisation and food safety standards are maintained
• Oversee kitchen maintenance and report or coordinate repairs when required
• Train, mentor and develop kitchen staff
• Lead by example during busy services and remain hands-on in the kitchen
• Improve systems, prep processes and overall kitchen efficiency

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
• Strong experience in a high-volume breakfast/brunch environment
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Strong understanding of food costs, labour and kitchen targets
• Experience with rostering and ordering
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Passionate about food and menu development
• Ability to stay calm and lead a team during busy service
• Reliable, professional and hands-on
• Someone who takes pride in maintaining a clean, efficient and well-run kitchen
• A positive attitude and ability to work well within a fun, fast-paced team

If you're an experienced breakfast chef looking for a hands-on leadership role where you can take ownership of the kitchen, contribute to the direction of the menu and work alongside a great team, we'd love to hear from you.