Head Chef – Hotel Commonwealth

Ipswich QLD | Full-Time | Aushotels Group

Hotel Commonwealth, located in the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich, are looking for a strong, practical, and hands-on Head Chef to help stabilise, grow, and elevate our kitchen operations.

Originally established in 1910 and recently restored, the venue blends historic charm with a up-to-date pub and bistro offering. Our menu currently features classic pub favourites, pizzas, and a selection of approachable Australian dishes — and we are ready to refine and strengthen it with the right leader.

This is an ideal role for a chef who is passionate about team development, consistency, and building systems that last, while also contributing to sensible, well-designed menu improvements over time.

About the Role The focus of this role is practical leadership and steady operational improvement. Responsibilities include:

- Leading and supporting the kitchen team through a growth and rebuilding phase

- Training, upskilling and mentoring staff to improve consistency and standards

- Helping refine the menu to balance classic pub offerings with thoughtful, achievable innovation

- Managing day-to-day kitchen operations across restaurant, bistro, and functions

- Ensuring food quality, presentation and portion control are consistent

- Implementing and maintaining strong systems for hygiene, safety, and compliance

- Monitoring food costs, managing stock, and achieving reasonable GP targets

- Controlling labour costs and working within budget parameters

- Working hands-on during service and modelling best practice

This is a practical, leadership-focused position, we are looking for someone who can build structure,



not just creativity.

About You

We're seeking a Head Chef who brings:

- Minimum 1+ years experience as a Head Chef in a similar hospitality environment is required
- A natural leader who enjoys teaching, coaching, and building a reliable team
- Strong organisational and planning skills
- The ability to design menus that are achievable, costed correctly and consistent
- Confidence managing kitchen operations, cost control and compliance
- A calm, solutions-focused attitude, especially during busy periods
- High standards of cleanliness, food safety and HACCP requirements
- A hands-on approach — willing to lead from the front
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and peak periods
- Diploma in Hospitality Management or Commercial Cookery qualification is mandatory

Who We Are?

Hotel Commonwealth is part of the Aushotels Group, a family-owned group with a focus on community-driven hospitality. Our venues include the award-winning Exchange Hotel in Kilcoy, and we are committed to long-term growth, not short-term flash.

We approach things realistically

We want a Head Chef who can build a solid foundation, improve the menu sensibly, and help transform the kitchen into a consistent, reliable, and respected operation.

Why Join Us?

- Supportive ownership and management who value strong leadership

- A chance to make meaningful, practical improvements to menu and operations

- Stable, full-time position in a respected family-owned group

How to Apply

If you're a steady, capable, and passionate leader who enjoys mentoring teams and lifting standards, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience.

📌 Head Chef (Ipswich)
🏢 Hotel Commonwealth Ipswich
📍 Ipswich