Head Chef: Lead Kitchen Excellence & Menu Innovation

Minor International; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career Growth

Exclusive Hotel Deals

Global Perks

Retail Rewards

Experiences

Banking and Insurance

Generous Leave

Wellness Boost

Job summary

Oaks Cairns Hotel, part of Minor Hotels, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team on a full-time basis in Cairns, Australia. The role oversees all kitchen operations, upholds food quality, presentation and hygiene, and drives menu innovation.

You will inspire the culinary team, manage operations, and ensure compliant, efficient kitchen processes in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
• Experience as Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role in hotel or high-volume environment.
• Knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques and modern cuisine trends.
• Strong leadership, communication and team management skills.
• Financial awareness including food cost control and inventory management.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Genuine passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and manage the kitchen team to maintain high standards.
• Oversee preparation and cooking to ensure quality and presentation.
• Plan, develop and implement menus including seasonal offerings.
• Monitor food costs, inventory and stock control to meet budgets.
• Ensure WHS, HACCP and hygiene regulations compliance.
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with management on training, rostering and staff development.
• Continuously review operations for efficiency and quality improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food knowledge

Communication

Cost awareness

Inventory control

Pressure tolerance

Education

Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Oaks Cairns Hotel, part of Minor Hotels, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team on a full-time basis in Cairns, Australia. The role oversees all kitchen operations, upholds food quality, presentation and hygiene, and drives menu innovation.

You will inspire the culinary team, manage operations, and ensure compliant, efficient kitchen processes in a fast-paced environment.