Head Chef for Exec Chef Pathway

We are excited to work with this client and present this opportunity, for a high-performing Head Chef to step into an Executive Chef–level leadership role within one of North Queensland’s most dynamic waterfront hospitality venues.

This large-format venue operates across multiple dining environments including a premium pub-style restaurant, beer garden and waterfront dining space, delivering high-volume service.

The food offering centres around premium pub-gastro dining, with strong pizza, seafood and steak programs supported by a Mediterranean-style share menu in an additional dining space.

This role is designed for a hands-on Head Chef who wants to take the next step into broader leadership, taking ownership of kitchen systems, brigade structure and commercial performance across a large-scale operation.

The Role

Reporting directly to ownership and GM, you will oversee the full kitchen operation and lead a brigade of approximately 20 chefs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Full ownership of menu design, engineering and GP performance
• Leading and mentoring a large, multi-skilled brigade
• Driving consistency across high volume peak services
• Improving kitchen flow, prep systems and service efficiency
• Supplier management and food cost discipline
• Development of event and function menus
• Creating structure, accountability and culture within the brigade

This is a highly operational role, with the successful candidate leading from the pass and remaining heavily involved in service.

The Ideal Candidate

This role is ideally suited to a current Head Chef ready to step into an Exec Chef position within a large hospitality operation.

You will likely bring:

• Proven Head Chef experience within a high-volume pub, club or multi-outlet venue
• Experience managing large services (400+ covers)
• Strong understanding of pizza programs (wood-fired / sourdough preferred)
• Solid commercial capability including food cost, labour and supplier management
• Confidence leading and developing larger brigades

Chefs from major pub groups or high-volume hospitality venues will be highly regarded.

The Opportunity

• Step from Head Chef into an Executive Chef–level leadership role
• Lead a large-scale waterfront venue
• Work closely with ownership on food direction and commercial performance
• Competitive senior salary package + relocation support
• Strong long-term opportunity within a growing regional hospitality market