Sandstone Point Hotel - Functions Head Chef

Sandstone Point Hotel; Sandstone Point; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandstone Point Hotel is seeking an experienced Functions Head Chef to lead the culinary operation for weddings, social celebrations and corporate events at our iconic Queensland venue. You will manage menu planning, food preparation, staffing and cost control across multiple events, ensuring exceptional service and consistency.

Working closely with the Executive Chef and events team, you will mentor the functions kitchen staff and develop systems that support a demanding events calendar while

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef, Functions Head Chef or senior kitchen leader with responsibility for functions and events.
• Proven success delivering high-volume wedding, banquet or event catering.
• Experience managing kitchen staffing, rosters and preparation schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary operation across weddings, social celebrations and corporate events.
• Plan menus, food preparation, staffing, cost control and service execution.
• Mentor and develop the functions kitchen team and improve systems.

Skills

Menu planning

Team leadership

Cost control

Food safety

Communication

Job description

Sandstone Point Hotel - Functions Head Chef

Sandstone Point Hotel - Sandstone Point QLD

The Comiskey Group is a family-owned Queensland company with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industry. Known for being consistently at the forefront of innovation, the group owns and operates some of the state's largest and most awarded venues.

THE COMPANY

The Comiskey Group is a family-owned Queensland company with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industry. Known for being consistently at the forefront of innovation, the group owns and operates some of the state's largest and most awarded venues.

THE VENUE

Just 40 minutes from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, Sandstone Point Hotel overlooks the pristine waters of Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay. The multi-award-winning venue features multiple bars, a large bistro, pizzeria, beach club, function spaces, a gaming room, and an expansive outdoor entertainment area.

THE ROLE

We're seeking an experienced, highly organised and hands-on Functions Head Chef to lead the culinary operation across our weddings, social celebrations and corporate events.

This is an opportunity for a proven kitchen leader who understands that exceptional function catering demands more than great food. It requires meticulous preparation, clear communication and the ability to deliver consistently across multiple events, service styles and competing deadlines.

You'll take ownership of the day-to-day functions kitchen operation, from menu planning and food preparation through to staffing, cost control and service execution. Working closely with the Executive Chef, functions team and senior management, you'll ensure every event is delivered to the agreed brief, on time and to the highest standard.

You'll also lead, mentor and develop the functions kitchen team, building the systems, accountability and team culture needed to support a demanding events calendar.

ABOUT YOU

You're a calm, decisive leader who thrives on organisation and takes pride in delivering food that looks and tastes exceptional, whether catering for an intimate celebration or a large wedding reception.

You understand the importance of each event to the client and can translate detailed function requirements into a well-planned, efficiently executed service. You anticipate pressure points, communicate early and maintain high standards when priorities change.

You're equally comfortable planning behind the scenes and leading from the pass, with a practical approach to problem-solving and a commitment to developing your team.

KEY CRITERIA

• Proven ability to plan and execute high-quality catering across weddings, social functions and corporate events
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to coach, mentor and motivate a diverse kitchen team
• Exceptional organisation, forward planning and attention to detail
• Experience coordinating multiple functions with different menus, timings and service requirements
• Creative flair for menu development, balanced with an understanding of consistency, efficiency and profitability
• Excellent communication and collaboration with functions coordinators, front-of-house teams and senior management
• Strong commercial understanding of menu costing, purchasing, stock management, waste reduction and labour control
• Confidence interpreting function briefs, managing dietary requirements and delivering to agreed schedules
• Hands-on approach and the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure
• Commitment to food safety, kitchen presentation and venue and group standards

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated experience as a Head Chef, Functions Head Chef or senior kitchen leader with substantial responsibility for functions and events
• Proven success delivering high-volume wedding, banquet or event catering
• Experience managing kitchen staffing, rosters and preparation schedules against a busy functions calendar
• Strong operational knowledge of kitchen systems, food safety compliance and allergen management
• Ability to coordinate kitchen resources across simultaneous events without compromising quality or timing
• Capacity to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and public holidays, in line with event requirements

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary package plus super, based on experience
• The opportunity to lead an established, high-volume functions kitchen with a diverse events calendar
• Collaboration with the Executive Chef and an experienced functions and management team
• A supportive, team-oriented culture where new ideas are welcomed
• The opportunity to contribute to menus, kitchen systems and the ongoing development of our functions offering
• A leadership role within one of Queensland’s most iconic and exciting venues