Head Chef – Central Western Queensland
Immediate start | Full-time | $90,000 salary + free accommodation

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Head Chef with strong kitchen leadership, menu development and food cost control skills to take charge of the kitchen at a busy and well-loved pub in Central Western Queensland. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a chef who can confidently lead a team, maintain high food standards and deliver a quality pub dining experience across lunch, dinner, functions and special events.

The Package

$90,000 salary
Full-time position
Free accommodation
️ Own room in an off-site shared staff house
Immediate start

The Venue

This popular main-street pub is a genuine local favourite, offering great food, cold drinks and plenty of entertainment in a welcoming country-pub environment.

The bistro caters to locals, families, travellers and tourists, with a menu built around fresh produce, quality Queensland suppliers and classic pub favourites. Think succulent steaks, fresh salads, hearty meals, family-friendly options, tempting desserts and daily specials.

With lunch and dinner service seven days a week, plus functions and special events, the kitchen provides plenty of variety for an experienced chef who enjoys a busy and diverse operation.

The venue also features a bottleshop and a lively social atmosphere, making it an important part of the local community.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will take ownership of the kitchen operation and lead a team of chefs, cooks, apprentices and kitchen hands.

You'll be responsible for:

- Leading,



mentoring and managing the kitchen team.
- Planning, developing and maintaining menus suited to the local clientele, seasonal produce and market.
- Preparing and overseeing high-quality meals across lunch, dinner, functions and special events.
- Ensuring food is consistently prepared, presented and portioned to a high standard.
- Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards in line with Queensland regulations.
- Managing stock levels, ordering, receiving and correct storage of food and kitchen supplies.
- Controlling food costs and maintaining appropriate gross profit margins.
- Monitoring kitchen budgets, labour costs and food costs in conjunction with management.
- Coordinating effectively with front-of-house, venue management and functions teams.
- Maintaining a safe, organised and efficient kitchen environment.
- Keeping accurate records relating to food safety, cleaning, stock, ordering and kitchen operations.
- Contributing to the overall profitability, reputation and smooth running of the venue.
- Undertaking other kitchen and operational duties as required.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a confident and experienced Head Chef who can combine strong culinary skills with effective kitchen leadership.

You'll ideally bring:





- Previous Head Chef or senior kitchen management experience.
- Strong menu planning and development skills.
- Proven experience managing and mentoring a kitchen team.
- Excellent food preparation and presentation standards.
- Solid understanding of food costs, stock control and kitchen budgets.
- Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene requirements.
- The ability to remain calm, organised and hands-on during busy service periods.
- A practical, team-focused approach to kitchen management.
- Experience in pub, hotel, bistro or similar high-volume hospitality environments.
- The ability to work independently and take ownership of the kitchen operation.

Life in Central Western Queensland

Located in a remote outback community in Central Western Queensland, this role offers the chance to become part of a friendly country-town setting where locals, farmers, travellers and tourists come together.

Expect wide-open spaces, big skies, red dirt, warm hospitality and a strong sense of community. The town has the essentials including pubs, cafés, shops, accommodation and local services, while maintaining a genuine outback character.

Tourism brings additional energy to the community, particularly during the cooler months, creating a varied customer base and an interesting dining environment for an experienced hospitality professional.

If you're an accomplished Head Chef looking for a hands-on leadership role with accommodation, strong earning potential and a genuine Central Western Queensland lifestyle, we'd love to hear from you.

📌 Head Chef (Queensland)
🏢 MLKA
📍 Queensland