Ready to take the reins of one of Rockhampton's most exciting pub kitchens?
Following a major redevelopment, the Leichhardt Hotel has cemented itself as a premier hospitality destination in Central Queensland.
Boasting a large bistro, sports bar, function spaces and vibrant entertainment offering, we're seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and drive exceptional food experiences for our guests.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you'll take ownership of all kitchen operations, leading a passionate brigade while ensuring strong financial performance, food quality and team engagement.
Working closely with the Venue Manager and Area Chef, you'll be responsible for delivering a consistent and profitable food offering across all areas of the business.
Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen team
Managing labour costs, rosters and productivity targets
Controlling food costs, stock management and ordering
Maintaining high food quality, consistency and presentation standards
Ensuring compliance with food safety and workplace health requirements
Recruiting, training and retaining talented kitchen staff
Driving a positive, accountable and high-performing kitchen culture
Collaborating with venue leadership to achieve operational and financial goals
About You
We're looking for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and knows how to balance people, product and profit.
You'll have:
Previous experience as a Head Chef or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
Experience in high-volume pubs, hotels or casual dining venues
Robust knowledge of labour management, food costing and kitchen financials
Proven ability to lead, coach and develop teams
Excellent organisational and communication skills
A passion for hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiences




A proactive and solutions-focused approach to leadership
What's on Offer
Competitive salary + up to $20,000 annual KPI bonus structure
Relocation assistance available for the right candidate
Support from an experienced Area Chef and Operations team
Career progression opportunities across Australian Venue Co's network of 250+ venues
Staff discounts across all AVC venues
Training and development opportunities to support your career growth
Access to our Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives
If you're looking for an opportunity to lead a thriving kitchen, build a strong team and make a real impact at one of Rockhampton's most recognised venues, we'd love to hear from you.
Australian Venue Co. promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through programs like AVC Pride for LGBTQIA+ support, Her Hospo for empowering women, and a First Nations Committee for reconciliation.
We are committed to growing our understanding and engagement in diversity, equity and inclusion to build a more inclusive industry.
Turn your hospo job into a rewarding career.
Whether you're already in a hospitality management role or you're ready for career progression into management, you can take the next step with Australian Venue Co.
We're passionate about training & developing our team members and providing internal career advancement opportunities.
At AVC, we turn hospo jobs into careers!
Join our team & get access to our AdVanCe Career Pathways program, our in-house development program that is tailored to the hospitality industry.
If your next step is to become a Duty Manager, Assistant Venue Manager or Venue Manager, we can support you on your career journey.
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Read some of our commonly asked questions here.
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📌 Head Chef | Leichhardt Hotel (Rockhampton)
🏢 QUEENSLAND VENUE CO.
📍 Rockhampton