HEAD CHEF - Lord Stanley Hotel

Beek Qld Pty Ltd; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lord Stanley Hotel in Brisbane's East Brisbane is undergoing a major transformation and invites an experienced Head Chef to lead our brand-new commercial kitchen. You will shape menus, manage costs, mentor a kitchen team and deliver exceptional dining experiences in a vibrant venue with a beer garden, sports bar and restaurant.

You will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, maintain top standards of safety and quality, and drive innovative menu development while keeping the team motivated

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent trade qualification.
• Proven experience managing a commercial kitchen operation.
• Staff supervision, rostering and training.
• Menu planning and pricing.
• Stock control and inventory management.
• Kitchen budgeting and cost control.
• Marketing and promotional initiatives.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven ability to liaise effectively with customers, management and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and resolve customer complaints professionally.
• Passion for quality food, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead all food preparation, cooking and presentation standards.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation and food safety.
• Supervise, roster, train and develop kitchen employees.
• Create a positive and productive team culture.
• Plan and price menus.
• Develop fresh and exciting menu offerings.
• Ensure consistency, quality and presentation across all meals.
• Assist in developing food promotions and marketing initiatives.
• Manage ordering, requisition and storage of stock.
• Monitor food costs, labour costs and kitchen expenditure.
• Ensure kitchen operations remain within budget guidelines.
• Maintain and oversee kitchen equipment.
• Respond professionally to customer requests and feedback.
• Effectively manage and resolve customer complaints
• Maintain high service standards across all food offerings.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety standards and regulations.
• Adhere to Workplace Health & Safety requirements.
• Maintain company policies and procedures.
• Develop and deliver ongoing kitchen training programs.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Communication

Customer liaison

Problem solving

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Lead a Brand-New Kitchen in One of Brisbane's Most Exciting Hospitality Venues

East Brisbane, QLD
$100,000 per annum (commensurate with experience)

The Lord Stanley Hotel has undergone a significant transformation, and we're searching for an exceptional Head Chef to lead our culinary operation into its next chapter.

This is a rare opportunity to take charge of a brand-new commercial kitchen within a fully renovated hotel, featuring one of Brisbane's greenest and most inviting Beer Gardens, a vibrant Sports Bar, modern Restaurant, versatile Function Room, and much more.

We're looking for a passionate hospitality professional who can combine strong leadership, commercial acumen and culinary creativity to deliver exceptional food experiences while building and mentoring a high-performing kitchen team.

If you're ready to make your mark on a thriving venue and take ownership of a kitchen you can be proud of, we want to hear from you.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the overall operation of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, efficient service, profitability, and team performance.

Lead all food preparation, cooking and presentation standards

Oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen

Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation and food safety

Supervise, roster, train and develop kitchen employees

Create a positive and productive team culture

Plan and price menus

Develop fresh and exciting menu offerings

Ensure consistency, quality and presentation across all meals

Assist in developing food promotions and marketing initiatives

Stock, Budgets & Cost Control

Manage ordering, requisition and storage of stock

Monitor food costs, labour costs and kitchen expenditure

Ensure kitchen operations remain within budget guidelines

Maintain and oversee kitchen equipment

Customer Experience

Respond professionally to customer requests and feedback

Effectively manage and resolve customer complaints

Maintain high service standards across all food offerings

Compliance & Safety

Ensure compliance with Food Safety standards and regulations

Adhere to Workplace Health & Safety requirements

Maintain company policies and procedures

Develop and deliver ongoing kitchen training programs

What We’re Looking For

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent trade qualification

Proven experience managing a commercial kitchen operation

Demonstrated experience with:

Staff supervision, rostering and training

Menu planning and pricing

Stock control and inventory management

Kitchen budgeting and cost control

Marketing and promotional initiatives

Strong leadership and team development skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

Proven ability to liaise effectively with customers, management and staff

Demonstrated ability to manage and resolve customer complaints professionally

Passion for quality food, teamwork and continuous improvement

Recently fully renovated venue

One of Brisbane's most inviting and vibrant hospitality destinations

Stunning Beer Garden, Sports Bar, Restaurant and Function facilities

Opportunity to put your own stamp on menu development and food direction

Supportive management team

Long-term career growth opportunities

Competitive salary package of $100,000 per annum (commensurate with experience)

Ready to Lead Something Special?

This is a unique opportunity to join a revitalised venue and lead a kitchen at the heart of an exciting hospitality destination.

If you're an experienced Head Chef who thrives on leadership, quality, innovation and creating memorable guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

Setting a high standard in hospitality...

Elevating Brisbane’s Hospitality Scene, One Venue at a Time!

We don’t just operate pubs and hotels, we create experiences that leave lasting memories! Based all around Queensland, we’re a family-owned business with a passion for delivering top-notch service, unforgettable moments, and a unique blend of character in every venue we touch.

From iconic places like Burke & Wills Hotel, Tingalpa Hotel, Zack's, Newtown Hotel, Bowen Hotel and Lord Stanley, the Hakfoort Group has been a cornerstone of Queensland's hospitality industry. Our secret? A relentless commitment to excellence, a dash of creativity, and a deep connection to our local communities.

Setting a high standard in hospitality...

Elevating Brisbane’s Hospitality Scene, One Venue at a Time!

We don’t just operate pubs and hotels, we create experiences that leave lasting memories! Based all around Queensland, we’re a family-owned business with a passion for delivering top-notch service, unforgettable moments, and a unique blend of character in every venue we touch.

From iconic places like Burke & Wills Hotel, Tingalpa Hotel, Zack's, Newtown Hotel, Bowen Hotel and Lord Stanley, the Hakfoort Group has been a cornerstone of Queensland's hospitality industry. Our secret? A relentless commitment to excellence, a dash of creativity, and a deep connection to our local communities.