Head Chef – Regional Queensland

Immediate start | $90,000 salary | Free accommodation

Based in a welcoming regional Queensland country town, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head Chef with strong kitchen leadership, menu development and hands-on cooking skills to take charge of a well-established pub kitchen. You’ll lead a small team, oversee busy lunch and dinner services, create quality pub-style meals and maintain high standards across food quality, presentation, food safety and kitchen operations.

If you’re a confident chef who enjoys being hands-on, takes pride in your food and thrives in a close-knit team environment, this role offers the opportunity to make your mark in a genuine country hospitality setting.

Package

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

About the venue

This family-friendly country pub sits in the heart of town and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, welcoming service and genuine country hospitality.

With a strong local following, the venue caters to locals, travellers, families, groups and functions, with lunch and dinner served seven days a week. Surrounded by well-maintained grounds and a strong sense of community, it’s a venue where good food, friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere are at the heart of the experience.

About the role

As Head Chef, you’ll take ownership of the kitchen and play a key role in delivering a consistent, high-quality food offering. You’ll need to be comfortable balancing leadership with hands-on cooking, while confidently managing the day-to-day demands of a busy regional pub.

Key responsibilities

- Lead, motivate and supervise the kitchen team to deliver effective daily service
- Plan, develop and maintain menus suited to a busy regional pub
- Oversee food preparation, cooking and presentation to consistently high standards




- Manage food ordering, stock control, storage and supplier relationships
- Monitor food costs, portion control and kitchen profitability
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness standards
- Prepare kitchen rosters and coordinate daily staff duties
- Train and support kitchen team members
- Coordinate kitchen operations during busy services, weekends, functions and special events
- Control food waste while maintaining quality, freshness and appropriate stock levels
- Work closely with venue management and front-of-house teams to ensure smooth service
- Maintain a positive, organised and professional kitchen environment
- Undertake other duties as required

What we’re looking for

The successful candidate will ideally have:

- Previous Head Chef or senior Chef experience
- Strong hands-on cooking skills and a passion for quality food
- Experience leading and supervising a kitchen team
- Menu planning and development experience
- Strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen hygiene requirements
- Understanding of food costs, ordering, stock control and portion management
- The ability to confidently manage busy services and functions
- Excellent organisation and time-management skills
- A practical, team-focused approach
- The ability to work independently and take ownership of the kitchen

The location

Located in a small, quiet country town in regional Queensland, this role offers a relaxed rural lifestyle with a genuine community feel.

Expect open farmland, a friendly local community, country pubs and cafés, and a slower pace of life away from the pressures of a busy regional centre. It’s an ideal setting for someone who enjoys regional hospitality, community connection and a more relaxed lifestyle while continuing to build their career in a hands-on kitchen leadership role.

If you’re an experienced Head Chef looking for a rewarding regional opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.

📌 Head Chef (Cairns Regional)
🏢 MLKA
📍 Cairns Regional