Head Chef - High-Volume Pub Kitchen & Beer Pairings

RGIT Australia; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Shift drink

Beachside venue

Community-minded crew

Input into business direction

Job summary

Modus is a proudly independent craft brewery based in Newcastle, NSW, housing a fully operational kitchen that serves elevated pub fare with a Mexican influence. The Head Chef leads a kitchen team across busy à la carte service, functions and events, shaping a bold menu designed to pair with our beer range and seasonal releases.

You will manage food costs, recruit and mentor staff, and uphold top safety and hygiene standards in a 300-seat venue near Merewether Beach, with a strong sustainability

Qualifications

• At least 3+ years of experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef in a high-volume venue.
• Trade qualifications (Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent).
• Food Safety Supervisor certification (NSW).
• Strong understanding of Mexican flavours and techniques, seafood handling, or both.
• Proven ability to manage food cost, GP and labour, with confidence in the numbers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and write menus that reflect the Modus style, including seasonal specials and dishes designed to pair with our core range and limited releases.
• Collaborate with the brewing team on beer-and-food pairings for masterclasses, tap takeovers, release days and events.
• Run high-volume service with consistency, speed and quality, from a packed Saturday lunch to a 300-person function.
• Plan and execute function and event menus, including canapés, grazing, banquets and set menus, working closely with the events team.
• Recruit, train and mentor a kitchen brigade of sous chefs, CDPs, commis, apprentices and kitchen hands, and build a positive, respectful kitchen culture.
• Manage food costs, GP targets, ordering, stock control and wastage, and prepare regular reporting for management.
• Build rosters and manage kitchen labour to budget.
• Source from local and sustainable suppliers wherever possible, in line with Modus values.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and WHS, including the food safety program, allergen management and council compliance.
• Look after kitchen equipment and maintenance, and keep the kitchen clean, organised and running efficiently.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Menu development

Food cost control

Team leadership

Food safety

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Modus is a proudly independent craft brewery based in Newcastle, NSW, housing a fully operational kitchen that serves elevated pub fare with a Mexican influence. The Head Chef leads a kitchen team across busy à la carte service, functions and events, shaping a bold menu designed to pair with our beer range and seasonal releases.

You will manage food costs, recruit and mentor staff, and uphold top safety and hygiene standards in a 300-seat venue near Merewether Beach, with a strong sustainability