Head Chef

Linked support services Queensland; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Linked support services Queensland – Surfers Paradise QLD is seeking a Head Chef to lead our culinary operations on-site in Surfers Paradise. The role focuses on menu development, kitchen management, and ensuring top-quality meals for clients and staff.

The successful candidate will have formal culinary qualifications, 5+ years of kitchen experience (including 2+ years in a supervisory role), strong food safety knowledge, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualifications or recognised chef training.
• 5+ years experience as a chef with at least 2 years in head chef role.
• Experience across cuisines and dietary requirements.
• Food safety knowledge and certifications.
• Ability to lead kitchen teams; recruit and train staff.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Budgeting, inventory control and kitchen systems.
• Effective communication with clients and staff.
• Physically fit for long shifts in a fast-paced kitchen.
• First Aid & Food Handling certifications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop menus meeting nutritional needs and client preferences.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations including cooking, plating and presentation.
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff with training and feedback.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and regulatory compliance.
• Control costs and manage inventory within budget targets.
• Ensure timely delivery of meals with quality ingredients.
• Maintain cleanliness and routine equipment upkeep.
• Monitor taste and quality; adjust recipes as needed.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and improve menus.

Skills

Leadership

5+ years experience

Menu planning

Food safety

Team leadership

Time management

Inventory control & budgeting

Communication

Physical fitness

First Aid & Food Handling

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

Linked support services Queensland – Surfers Paradise QLD

Head Chef wanted to join our team in Surfers Paradise.

This is a full-time position that offers a unique opportunity to lead our culinary operations and make a meaningful impact on the dining experiences we provide to our clients and staff. As Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of food preparation, kitchen management, and culinary excellence whilst maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. This role is based in Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 and will require your presence on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and execute menus that meet the nutritional needs and preferences of our client base, ensuring High quality in all meals prepared
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation of dishes to the highest standard
• Manage and supervise kitchen staff, providing training, guidance, mentoring and performance feedback to maintain a motivated and skilled team
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety regulations, hygiene standards and best practices to ensure the wellbeing of all clients and staff
• Control food costs and manage inventory effectively, including ordering supplies, monitoring wastage and maintaining budgetary targets
• Ensure all meals are prepared with fresh, quality ingredients and delivered on time according to service schedules
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen, including equipment maintenance and adherence to health and safety protocols
• Monitor food quality and taste consistency, making adjustments to recipes and cooking methods as required
• Stay current with culinary trends and best practices, continuously improving our menu offerings and kitchen efficiency

What we're looking for

• Formal culinary qualifications or recognised chef training from an accredited institution
• Minimum 5+ years' professional experience working as a chef in a commercial kitchen environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or head chef capacity
• Proven expertise in food preparation, cooking techniques and menu planning across a range of cuisines and dietary requirements
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, hygiene practices and relevant legislation including food handling certifications
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead kitchen teams, including recruitment, training and performance management
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Proficiency in kitchen management systems, inventory control and budgeting
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively with clients, staff and management
• Physical fitness and the ability to stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Current First Aid and Food Handling certifications are highly desirable

What we offer

Surfers Paradise Pub is committed to providing our employees with a supportive and rewarding work environment. We offer competitive remuneration packages commensurate with experience and qualifications. Our team members enjoy access to ongoing professional development opportunities, allowing you to enhance your culinary skills and progress your career within our organisation. We foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture where your contributions are valued and recognised. We support work-life balance initiatives and provide a range of employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing and satisfaction. We are proud to foster an inclusive workplace and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

About us

We are a long established Gold Coast based hospitality operators for over 20 years, and the creators of Hollywood Showgirls, we are excited for our sister venue Surfers paradise Pub.