Head Chef | Leichhardt Hotel

Australian Venue Co.; Rockhampton Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

KPI bonus

Staff discounts

Training and development

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

A Head Chef role at Leichhardt Hotel in Rockhampton with Australian Venue Co. is seeking a hands-on leader to drive a high-performing kitchen and a premium guest experience.

You will partner with the Venue Manager and Area Chef to deliver a consistent and profitable food offering across all dining spaces. You will mentor the kitchen brigade, control costs and inspire a culture of excellence, while ensuring compliance with food safety and health standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the kitchen team.
• Manage labour costs, rosters and productivity targets.
• Control food costs, stock, ordering and waste.
• Maintain high food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Ensure food safety and workplace health requirements.

Job description

Ready to take the reins of one of Rockhampton's most exciting pub kitchens?Following a major redevelopment, the Leichhardt Hotel has cemented itself as a premier hospitality destination in Central Queensland. Boasting a large bistro, sports bar, function spaces and vibrant entertainment offering, we're seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and drive exceptional food experiences for our guests.About the RoleAs Head Chef, you'll take ownership of all kitchen operations, leading a passionate brigade while ensuring strong financial performance, food quality and team engagement. Working closely with the Venue Manager and Area Chef, you'll be responsible for delivering a consistent and profitable food offering across all areas of the business.Key responsibilities include:Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen teamManaging labour costs, rosters and productivity targetsControlling food costs, stock management and orderingMaintaining high food quality, consistency and presentation standardsEnsuring compliance with food safety and workplace health requirementsRecruiting, training and retaining talented kitchen staffDriving a positive, accountable and high-performing kitchen cultureCollaborating with venue leadership to achieve operational and financial goalsAbout YouWe're looking for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and knows how to balance people, product and profit.You'll have:Previous experience as a Head Chef or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step upExperience in high-volume pubs, hotels or casual dining venuesStrong knowledge of labour management, food costing and kitchen financialsProven ability to lead, coach and develop teamsExcellent organisational and communication skillsA passion for hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiencesA proactive and solutions-focused approach to leadershipWhat's on OfferCompetitive salary + up to $20,000 annual KPI bonus structureRelocation assistance available for the right candidateSupport from an experienced Area Chef and Operations teamCareer progression opportunities across Australian Venue Co's network of 250+ venuesStaff discounts across all AVC venuesTraining and development opportunities to support your career growthAccess to our Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiativesIf you're looking for an opportunity to lead a thriving kitchen, build a strong team and make a real impact at one of Rockhampton's most recognised venues, we'd love to hear from you.Apply now and join the team at Leichhardt Hotel.