Head Chef - Boathouse Centre Launceston

Searson Buck Group; City of Launceston; On-site; AUD 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A popular café and events venue in Launceston seeks a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and shape seasonal menus using local produce. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a passion for food quality, and the ability to manage budgets and staff effectively. This role offers an attractive salary of $90,000 + super and growth opportunities in a supportive workplace.

Benefits

Annual salary review

Opportunity for growth

Creative input in menu design

Supportive work environment

Lifestyle benefits in Launceston

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team or a strong sous chef ready to step up.
• Cares about food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Organised and can balance creativity with practical kitchen management.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff.
• Create seasonal menus using local produce.
• Manage budgets and food costs efficiently.
• Oversee cooking and quality control.

Skills

Leadership

Menu creation

Budget management

Collaboration

Food quality assurance

Job description

Overview

Our client, Boathouse Centre, are seeking a Head Chef who wants more than just a job in the kitchen. At Boathouse Centre Launceston, they are building something special, a place that’s known for great food, warm hospitality, and memorable events.

This role is about leading a team, shaping menus, and making a real impact in a business that’s growing.

About us

We’re a café and events centre on the banks of the Tamar River in Launceston. Our café is known for consistent coffee and fresh, simple food. Our event centre hosts weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. We’re proud of what we do, and we’re ambitious about where we’re going.

The role

As Head Chef, you’ll run the kitchen and set the standard. Your days will be a mix of planning menus, managing costs, leading staff, and cooking. It’s a hands-on job where you’ll be across everything from training new chefs to plating dishes for a wedding banquet. You’ll have freedom to design seasonal menus, work closely with local suppliers, and bring your own ideas to the table.

At the same time, you’ll keep things organised — rosters, stock, budgets, and making sure service runs smoothly.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading, training, and motivating a small kitchen team
• Creating menus for both the café and events, using seasonal and local produce
• Managing budgets, food costs, and rosters
• Overseeing prep, cooking, and plating to keep quality consistent
• Keeping the kitchen safe, clean, and inspection-ready
• Working with our front-of-house team so service is smooth and guests are happy
• Driving sustainability practices and reducing food waste

What we\'re looking for

• A chef with experience leading a team, or a strong sous chef ready to step up
• Someone who cares about food quality, consistency, and presentation
• A leader who’s approachable, fair, and calm under pressure
• A good organiser who can balance creativity with the practical side of running a kitchen
• Someone who enjoys working with others and can collaborate with the wider team

What we offer

• $90,000 + super, reviewed annually
• A genuine chance to grow with the business as we expand
• Creative input and freedom to shape menus and kitchen culture
• A supportive workplace where we value professionalism without the ego
• A lifestyle in Launceston with access to great produce and a relaxed community

How to apply

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Send through your CV and a short note about why this role feels right for you. For more information contact Kevin Moffat on 0400 447 595 or [e-mail].