Homestead Chef

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benchmarked salary

Free on-site parking

Educational support

Flexible schedule

Team member card

Family passes

Fitness passport

Job summary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast seeks an experienced Homestead Chef to lead the kitchen at the Homestead, overseeing food preparation, menu planning, costing and events. You will drive innovation, maintain quality and safety, and mentor junior staff in a busy, high-volume environment.

The role manages inventory, supplier relations, and the delivery of à la carte, catering and events. Flexible hours including nights and weekends apply as part of a dynamic team committed to

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a culinary role.
• Strong focus on food safety and quality.
• Ability to manage high-volume kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and direction of food preparation and culinary activities in the Homestead.
• Assist with menu planning, costing, and drive innovation with contemporary dishes.
• Supervise kitchen staff across à la carte, catering and events; ensure smooth operations.

Job description

About National Trust Queensland & Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Voted one of the Gold Coast’s most popular tourist destinations, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is the crown jewel of the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) [NTAQ] properties. As one of Queensland’s earliest nature-based tourist destinations, the Sanctuary is a physical embodiment of everything the NTAQ represents: to conserve and advance our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced chef to join our kitchen team as Homestead Chef. As the culinary leader of the Homestead, this role plays a key part in driving innovation and service excellence, managing kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.

The role requires strong leadership, culinary expertise, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The Homestead is a purpose-built function centre hosting a range of events throughout the year, including weddings, corporate events and functions. We are looking for an experienced professional to lead our food service into the future as we continue to grow our event operations.

About the Role

• Lead the planning and direction of food preparation and culinary activities within the Homestead.
• Assist the Executive Chef with menu planning and costing, while driving innovation through contemporary, on-trend dishes.
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient operations across à la carte, catering and events.
• Take ownership of the consistency, quality and presentation of dishes.
• Manage inventory, ordering and the receipt of kitchen supplies and ingredients.
• Maintain a clean, organised and compliant kitchen in accordance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Lead, train and mentor junior kitchen staff.
• Assist with the creation of new menu items and seasonal specials.
• Monitor portion control and food waste to support profitability.
• Support the Executive Chef with operations across other outlets within the Sanctuary as required.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have proven experience in a culinary leadership position within a commercial kitchen, together with strong attention to detail and a positive, professional approach.

Other key skills and attributes we are looking for include:

• Proven experience in a culinary leadership position or similar role.
• Formal culinary training or relevant certifications.
• In-depth knowledge of cooking methods, ingredients and commercial kitchen equipment.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and public holidays.
• Food Safety Certification.
• Experience with inventory systems and cost-control procedures.
• Creative flair and a passion for culinary excellence.

What We Can Offer

Just as our charter is to protect, conserve and celebrate the environmental, built and cultural heritage of our State, we are also committed to ensuring our Team Members are protected, taken care of and, of course, celebrated!

• Benchmarked Salary
• Free On-Site Parking
• Tertiary Education Partners for access to recognised qualifications
• Flexible Working Arrangements and Study Leave
• NTAQ Team Member Card offering unlimited entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and other SEQ sites, plus generous retail and food & beverage discounts
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Family & Friends Passes
• Access to 470+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport for you and your family