Bring your American BBQ experience to a busy, community-focused venue with a serious events calendar.Springlake Hotel is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and take ownership of the food offering across a busy bistro, smokehouse and function operation.This is a great opportunity for a chef with a strong background in American BBQ, smokehouse-style cooking and high-volume pub kitchens, combined with proven experience delivering functions, events and large-scale catering.Our smokehouse offering features slow-cooked brisket, sausages and ribs prepared in our on-site smoker, alongside a strong range of pub classics and daily specials.With multiple function spaces and the ability to host events of up to 400 guests, functions are a key part of the operation. From weddings and corporate events through to celebrations and BBQ buffets, we need a Head Chef who understands how to execute consistently at volume.What you'll be doingLead and develop a passionate kitchen teamTake ownership of kitchen operations, food quality and presentationDrive the smokehouse and BBQ offering, bringing your own ideas and expertiseManage high-volume service across the bistro and functionsPlan and execute menus for weddings, corporate functions, celebrations and large eventsWork closely with the Venue Manager and wider leadership teamManage food costs, labour, ordering, stock control and wastageMaintain strong food safety, hygiene and kitchen standardsDevelop and coach your team to build a strong kitchen cultureEnsure consistency across every service,



regardless of volumeBring creativity and commercial thinking to the ongoing development of the menuWhat we're looking forWe're looking for a hands-on and commercially minded Head Chef who knows how to lead from the front.You'll ideally have:Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready for the next stepA background in American BBQ, smokehouse or meat-focused venuesStrong knowledge of smoking, low-and-slow cooking and BBQ techniquesExperience working in high-volume pubs, restaurants or similar environmentsStrong functions and events experience, including large-scale serviceExcellent leadership and communication skillsA strong understanding of food costs, labour and kitchen financialsThe ability to remain calm and organised during busy servicesA genuine passion for food and developing a high-performing teamWhy Springlake Hotel?Competitive salary + annual bonus of up to $20K paid quarterlyLead the kitchen of a well-established local venueMake your mark on a robust smokehouse and American BBQ offeringWork across a diverse operation spanning bistro, sports bar and functionsOpportunity to showcase your skills across large-scale events and functionsJoin a venue with multiple function spaces and capacity for significant eventsBe part of a supportive venue leadership teamOpportunity to develop and grow the kitchen operationIf you're a Head Chef who loves BBQ, thrives in a busy environment and knows how to deliver exceptional food at volume, we'd love to hear from you.Apply now and bring your expertise to Springlake Hotel.
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📌 Head Chef | Springlake Hotel (City of Ipswich)
🏢 Australian Venue
📍 City of Ipswich