Job Description

Bring your American BBQ experience to a busy, community-focused venue with a serious events calendar.

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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.

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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.

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Our smokehouse offering features slow-cooked brisket, sausages and ribs prepared in our in office smoker, alongside a strong range of pub classics and daily specials.

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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.

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What you'll be doing

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Lead and develop a passionate kitchen team

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Take ownership of kitchen operations, food quality and presentation

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Drive the smokehouse and BBQ offering, bringing your own ideas and expertise

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Manage high-volume service across the bistro and functions

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Plan and execute menus for weddings, corporate functions, celebrations and large events

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Work closely with the Venue Manager and wider leadership team

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Manage food costs, labour, ordering, stock control and wastage

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Maintain strong food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards

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Develop and coach your team to build a strong kitchen culture

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Ensure consistency across every service, regardless of volume

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Bring creativity and commercial thinking to the ongoing development of the menu

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What we're looking for

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We're looking for a hands-on and commercially minded Head Chef who knows how to lead from the front.

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You'll ideally have:

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Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready for the next step

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A background in American BBQ, smokehouse or meat-focused venues

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Strong knowledge of smoking, low-and-slow cooking and BBQ techniques

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Experience working in high-volume pubs, restaurants or similar environments

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Strong functions and events experience, including large-scale service

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Excellent leadership and communication skills

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A solid understanding of food costs, labour and kitchen financials

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The ability to remain calm and organised during busy services

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A genuine passion for food and developing a high-performing team

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Why Springlake Hotel?

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Competitive salary + annual bonus of up to $20K paid quarterly

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Lead the kitchen of a well-established local venue

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Make your mark on a strong smokehouse and American BBQ offering

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Work across a diverse operation spanning bistro, sports bar and functions

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Opportunity to showcase your skills across large-scale events and functions

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Join a venue with multiple function spaces and capacity for significant events

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Be part of a supportive venue leadership team

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Opportunity to develop and grow the kitchen operation

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If 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.

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Apply now and bring your expertise to Springlake Hotel.

📌 Head Chef Springlake Hotel (Brookwater)
🏢 Australian Venue
📍 Brookwater