About the role

We’re looking for a Head Chef to take ownership of the Modus kitchen and lift our food to the same level as our beer. Our menu is elevated pub food with a fresh Mexican influence and a love of good seafood. It’s bold, generous food built to be eaten with a cold beer. You’ll lead the kitchen team, shape the menu, run a tight and profitable operation, and deliver consistently great food across busy à la carte service, functions and events.

Key responsibilities

- Lead, develop and write menus that reflect the Modus style, including seasonal specials and dishes designed to pair with our core range and limited releases.
- Collaborate with the brewing team on beer-and-food pairings for masterclasses, tap takeovers, release days and events.
- Run high-volume service with consistency, speed and quality, from a packed Saturday lunch to a 300-person function.
- Plan and execute function and event menus, including canapés, grazing, banquets and set menus, working closely with the events team.
- Recruit, train and mentor a kitchen brigade of sous chefs, CDPs, commis, apprentices and kitchen hands, and build a positive, respectful kitchen culture.
- Manage food costs, GP targets, ordering, stock control and wastage, and prepare regular reporting for management.
- Build rosters and manage kitchen labour to budget.
- Source from local and sustainable suppliers wherever possible, in line with Modus values.
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and WHS, including the food safety program, allergen management and council compliance.
- Look after kitchen equipment and maintenance, and keep the kitchen clean, organised and running efficiently.

About you





- At least 3+ years of experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef in a high-volume venue, ideally a pub, brewery, bistro or large-format restaurant.
- Trade qualifications (Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent).
- Food Safety Supervisor certification (NSW).
- Strong understanding of Mexican flavours and techniques, seafood handling, or both.
- Proven ability to manage food cost, GP and labour, with confidence in the numbers.
- Experience running functions and events alongside à la carte service.
- A calm, organised leadership style and a genuine commitment to developing your team.
- Curiosity about craft beer and how it works with food.
- Availability across weekends, evenings and public holidays as the roster requires.

About us

Modus is an independent, award-winning craft brewery that started on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and now calls Newcastle home. Our Merewether venue sits alongside a fully operational brewery. It seats up to 300 guests and pours brewery-fresh beer from 36 taps, from hazy IPAs and lagers to sours, stouts and our non-alcoholic NORT range. Sustainability and community drive everything we do, from our 100% green-energy venue to the local producers and clubs we support.

Benefits

- Take creative ownership of the menu in one of Newcastle’s standout venues.
- Get a market-competitive salary with real input into the direction of the business.
- Work with an independent brewery team that loves collaborating across brewing, bar and kitchen.
- Enjoy staff discounts on food, beer and merch, plus a shift drink.
- Work in a modern, sustainably built venue a short walk from the beach.
- Join a tight-knit, community-minded crew.

📌 Head Chef – Modus Merewether
🏢 Modus Operandi Brewing
📍 Merewether