Head Chef

Work Initiatives; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Work Initiatives on the Gold Coast hinterland seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead a modern Australian all-day cafe kitchen. You will steer daily operations, drive menu development and maintain high quality in food preparation and presentation.

You will manage food costs, stock, waste and safety compliance while coordinating catering for private events. A hands-on leader, you’ll collaborate with management and front-of-house to create a top-tier dining experience.

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef role with experience at a modern cafe.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Passion for fresh, quality food and consistent execution.
• Experience with menu development, food costing and GP management.
• Excellent organisation, cleanliness standards and busy service leadership.
• Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance.

Responsibilities

• Leading the kitchen team and maintaining high food quality and consistency.
• Overseeing daily kitchen operations, menu development and food preparation.
• Managing food costs, stock control and wastage.
• Ensuring food safety, hygiene and compliance.
• Coordinating catering for private functions, corporate events and special occasions.
• Working closely with management and front of house to maintain a positive, efficient kitchen.

Skills

Head Chef

Leadership

Menu development

Food costing

Job description

Head Chef | Gold Coast Hinterland | Exciting Leadership Opportunity

We are looking for a passionate, hands‑on Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at an established cafe and events venue in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Featuring a modern Australian all‑day cafe menu, this is an opportunity to bring creative ideas, maintain high food standards, lead a small team and ensure the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen.

About the role

You’ll be responsible for the day‑to‑day running of the kitchen, leading the team and ensuring consistently high standards across food preparation, presentation and service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the kitchen team and maintaining high food quality and consistency.
• Overseeing daily kitchen operations, menu development and food preparation.
• Managing food costs, stock control and wastage.
• Ensuring food safety, hygiene and compliance.
• Coordinating catering for private functions, corporate events and special occasions.
• Working closely with management and front of house to maintain a positive, efficient kitchen.

About you

You’ll be a confident kitchen leader who takes pride in both the food you produce and the team you build.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Previous Head Chef role, with experience at a modern cafe.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• A passion for fresh, quality food and consistent execution.
• Experience with menu development, food costing and GP management.
• Excellent organisation, high cleanliness standards and the ability to lead a busy service.
• A strong understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance.

What we offer

• No evenings or night work.
• An opportunity to make a genuine impact on kitchen operations.
• Scope to contribute ideas and develop the food offering.
• A leadership position within an established hospitality business.
• A unique Gold Coast hinterland working environment.