Retail Manager and Cook – Panda Chinese Foodhouse (Townsville QLD)

Employer: Zhou & Lam Pty Ltd, trading as Panda Chinese Foodhouse

Location: Stockland Townsville Shopping Centre, 310–330 Ross River Road, Aitkenvale QLD 4814

Employment type: Full-time, permanent (38 hours per week)

Positions available: 1 x Retail Manager – AUD $80,000 – $88,000 per annum plus superannuation; 1 x Cook – AUD $72,000 – $80,000 per annum plus superannuation. Salary within each range is commensurate with skills and experience.

About the business

Panda Chinese Food House is an established Chinese food outlet located at Stockland Townsville Shopping Centre, one of North Queensland's busiest shopping centres. Operated by Zhou & Lam Pty Ltd, the business serves a high volume of dine-in and takeaway customers seven days a week, offering a menu of authentic, freshly prepared Chinese dishes. As the business continues to grow, we are seeking to strengthen our team with two full-time positions. Applicants may apply for either position.

Position 1: Retail Manager

Salary: AUD $80,000 – $88,000 per annum plus superannuation

The Retail Manager takes full day-to-day responsibility for the operation of the outlet, working closely with the directors to drive sales, control costs, maintain food-safety and workplace standards, and lead the kitchen and counter team in a fast-paced shopping-centre workplace.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the overall daily operations of the outlet, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, banking and end-of-day reconciliation

• Determine the product mix, menu range, stock levels and service standards to meet customer demand and centre trading hours

• Formulate and implement purchasing, pricing and promotional policies; plan and coordinate in-centre promotions and seasonal menu offers

• Monitor sales, wastage,



cost of goods and labour costs against budget; prepare sales and stock reports for the directors

• Order and receive stock, manage supplier relationships and maintain accurate inventory records

• Recruit, roster, train and supervise staff; manage performance and ensure staff comply with food-safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements

• Deliver a high standard of customer service, handle customer enquiries and complaints, and ensure compliance with Queensland food-safety legislation and centre regulations

• Maintain records of stock, sales, staff attendance and compliance; liaise with centre management, suppliers and regulatory authorities as required

Qualifications, skills and experience

• A diploma-level or higher qualification in business, retail, hospitality or a related management discipline, or at least three years of relevant management experience in lieu of formal qualifications

• A minimum of two years' experience managing a retail or food-service outlet, including responsibility for staff, stock and financial performance

• Experience in a shopping-centre or high-volume quick-service food environment is strongly preferred

• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, rostering, stock control and point-of-sale systems

• Strong leadership, communication and customer-service skills

• Sound knowledge of Australian food-safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety standards

Position 2: Cook

Salary: AUD $72,000 – $80,000 per annum plus superannuation

We are seeking an experienced Cook with a strong background in Chinese cuisine. The Cook is responsible for preparing,



cooking and presenting our full menu to a consistent standard during high-volume trading periods, while maintaining strict food-safety and hygiene practices.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, season and cook a wide range of Chinese dishes, including wok-fried, stir-fried, deep-fried, braised and steamed items, in accordance with the outlet's recipes and presentation standards

• Examine foodstuffs to ensure quality; prepare ingredients, sauces and marinades in advance of service

• Regulate temperatures of woks, fryers, steamers and other cooking equipment; portion food and ensure consistent serving sizes

• Plan menus with the manager, estimate food and labour requirements, and assist with ordering and receiving supplies

• Monitor stock rotation, storage and labelling; minimise wastage

• Maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen and comply with all food-safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements

• Supervise and instruct kitchen hands and junior kitchen staff during service

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Certificate III or higher in Commercial Cookery, Asian Cookery or an equivalent culinary qualification, or at least three years' relevant experience in lieu of formal qualifications

• A minimum of two years' experience as a cook in a commercial kitchen

• Demonstrated skill in authentic Chinese cooking techniques, including wok cookery, is strongly preferred

• Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen

• Sound knowledge of food-safety and hygiene standards; a current food-safety certificate is desirable

General requirements (both positions)

• Availability to work a rotating roster including weekends and public holidays

• Right to work in Australia. Australian citizens and permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply

📌 Retail Manager and Cook (Aitkenvale)
🏢 Zhou & Lam
📍 Aitkenvale