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




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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.
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Trade qualifications (Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent).
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Food Safety Supervisor certification (NSW).
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Solid understanding of Mexican flavours and techniques, seafood handling, or both.
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Proven ability to manage food cost, GP and labour, with confidence in the numbers.
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Experience running functions and events alongside à la carte service.
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A calm, organised leadership style and a genuine commitment to developing your team.
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Curiosity about craft beer and how it works with food.
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Availability across weekends, evenings and public holidays as the roster requires.
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About us
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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.
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Benefits
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Take creative ownership of the menu in one of Newcastle's standout venues.
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Get a competitive salary with real input into the direction of the business.
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Work with an independent brewery team that loves collaborating across brewing, bar and kitchen.
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Enjoy staff discounts on food, beer and merch, plus a shift drink.
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Work in a modern, sustainably built venue a short walk from the beach.
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Join a tight-knit, community-minded crew.
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📌 Head Chef - Modus Merewether (New South Wales)
🏢 Modus Operandi Brewing
📍 New South Wales