Head Cook

Hotel Homestead PTY LTD; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hotel Homestead Tavern in Brisbane is seeking an experienced Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen, lead a small team, and manage day-to-day operations in a busy pub environment.

You will handle rostering, food orders, stock control, cost monitoring, and menu development while ensuring high standards of quality and consistency. This is a hands-on role with weekend/evening availability.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or senior cook in a high-volume kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent organisation and stock management.
• Ability to manage costs and wastage.
• Willingness to work weekends and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the kitchen team.
• Roster and staffing management.
• Food ordering, stock control and supplier management.
• Monitor food costs, wastage and portion control.
• Maintain food quality and presentation standards.
• Manage food safety, cleanliness and kitchen compliance.
• Prepare and deliver pub-style meals.
• Menu planning and development of specials.
• Ensure meals are delivered efficiently during busy services.
• Train and support kitchen staff.
• Work closely with venue management.
• Maintain an organised, clean and well-run kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu planning

Food cost control

Kitchen operations

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and reliable Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen at the Homestead Tavern.

This is a hands‑on role suited to someone who is confident running a busy pub kitchen, leading a small kitchen team and taking responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and supervising the kitchen team
• Managing kitchen rosters and staffing requirements
• Food ordering, stock control and supplier management
• Monitoring food costs, wastage and portion control
• Maintaining food quality and presentation standards
• Managing food safety, cleanliness and kitchen compliance
• Preparing and delivering consistent pub-style meals
• Menu planning and development of specials
• Ensuring meals are delivered efficiently during busy services
• Training and supporting kitchen staff
• Working closely with venue management
• Maintaining an organised, clean and well‑run kitchen

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or senior cook/chef ready to step up
• Has strong leadership and communication skills
• Is organised and confident with ordering and stock management
• Understands food costs and controlling kitchen wastage
• Can remain calm and organised during busy services
• Takes pride in consistency, presentation and cleanliness
• Is reliable and willing to be hands‑on in the kitchen
• Has experience in a pub, club or similar high-volume kitchen environment
• Can work weekends and evenings as required

The Homestead Tavern is a busy community-focused pub with a bistro, sports bar, gaming room, functions and regular events. We are looking for someone who wants to take ownership of the kitchen and work with management to continue improving our food offering.

Salary negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.