Head Chef

Frontline Recruitment Group; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ownership of busy pub kitchen

Opportunity to influence menu

Build a strong kitchen team

Hands-on leadership role

Diverse, active service

Job summary

Frontline Recruitment Group is hiring a hands-on Head Chef for a busy pub kitchen in Mackay. You will take ownership of daily kitchen operations, menu planning, stock control and rostering, while leading a team through peak service times.

We value hands-on leadership, pride in pub-style dishes, and a calm, collaborative kitchen culture. The role offers room to implement ideas and drive food quality in a vibrant hospitality scene.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
• Experience running a busy pub, bistro or high-volume commercial kitchen.
• Confident leading a kitchen team, organising shifts and helping chefs develop their skills.
• Good understanding of food costs, ordering, stock control and reducing waste.
• A strong focus on food quality, consistency, cleanliness and food safety, even during the busiest services.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of the kitchen and keep service on track.
• Ensure every dish leaves the pass to a high standard.
• Plan menus, order supplies, manage stock and food costs.
• Create rosters and coordinate with the venue's management.
• Lead from the front and stay calm during busy services.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Stock control

Food costs

Team development

Food safety

Job description

• Lead and develop a passionate kitchen team in a high-volume pub environment.
• Take ownership of the menu, kitchen operations and overall food quality.
• Enjoy an exciting leadership opportunity in Mackay's vibrant hospitality scene.

About the Company

Join a busy pub in Mackay that's popular with locals and known for good food and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

With plenty happening in the kitchen, they're looking for a Head Chef who enjoys the buzz of a busy service, knows how to run a tight ship and can bring out the best in their team.

This is a great opportunity for someone who loves pub food, enjoys being hands-on and wants to take ownership of a kitchen without losing sight of what matters most: good food, happy customers and a team that works well together.

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to take the reins of a busy, high-volume pub kitchen in Mackay.

You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, keeping service on track, making sure every dish leaves the pass to a good standard and helping the team get through even the busiest shifts.

You’ll also look after menu planning, ordering, stock control, food costs and rosters, while working closely with the venue's management team.

We're after someone who's happy to roll up their sleeves, lead from the front and jump in when things get busy. Someone who can keep a cool head during a hectic service, have a laugh with the team and make sure everyone knows what they're doing.

Your Skills and Experience

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
• Experience running a busy pub, bistro or high-volume commercial kitchen.
• Confident leading a kitchen team, organising shifts and helping other chefs develop their skills.
• Good understanding of food costs, ordering, stock control and reducing waste.
• A strong focus on food quality, consistency, cleanliness and food safety, even during the busiest services.

Your Benefits and Rewards

• The chance to take ownership of a busy pub kitchen in Mackay.
• Room to put your ideas forward and have a say in the menu.
• The opportunity to build a good team and create a kitchen culture you're proud of.
• A varied, hands-on role where you'll be involved in all aspects of the kitchen.
• The satisfaction of running a successful service and seeing your team do well.

Sound like your kind of kitchen?

If you're a hands-on chef who enjoys a busy service, takes pride in good pub food and knows how to get the best out of a team, we'd love to hear from you.