Latin Kitchen Lead: Menu & Quality Champion

RGIT Australia; Sunshine Coast Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Costa Taco is seeking an experienced Chef to join our Sunshine Coast kitchen. You will lead menu development, oversee food costing and manage kitchen operations to deliver authentic Latin-inspired dishes and an outstanding guest experience.

You will train and develop staff, enforce food safety standards, control stock, and collaborate with management to grow the Costa Taco brand across SE Queensland.

Qualifications

• Certificate III, IV or higher in Commercial Cookery or Hospitality.
• Minimum three years of full-time experience as a Chef.
• Proven experience in menu planning, food costing, kitchen management and staff supervision.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations and the ability to uphold and enforce them.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills that generate mutual respect and trust across the team.
• Experience with Mexican or Latin cuisine highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop menus, estimate food and labour costs, and manage food supply ordering to meet quality and financial targets.
• Monitor and maintain the quality of dishes at every stage of preparation and presentation, ensuring consistency with Costa Taco's brand standards.
• Prepare and cook food across all stages of service, setting and maintaining the standard for the kitchen team.
• Discuss food preparation matters with Managers and kitchen and waiting staff to ensure smooth communication and service delivery.
• Demonstrate cooking techniques and advise the kitchen team on culinary procedures to build team capability.
• Communicate, enforce and model food safety and hygiene regulations across all kitchen operations.
• Select, train and develop kitchen staff, building a motivated and high-performing team.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation and food preservation to minimise waste and maintain quality.

Skills

Menu planning

Food costing

Kitchen management

Staff supervision

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery or Hospitality

Job description

Costa Taco is seeking an experienced Chef to join our Sunshine Coast kitchen. You will lead menu development, oversee food costing and manage kitchen operations to deliver authentic Latin-inspired dishes and an outstanding guest experience.

You will train and develop staff, enforce food safety standards, control stock, and collaborate with management to grow the Costa Taco brand across SE Queensland.