Head Chef

About us

Cooktown Bowls Club is a vibrant and welcoming community venue dedicated to providing excellent food, hospitality, and recreational experiences to our members and guests. Located in the heart of Cooktown, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality dining, outstanding service, and fostering a strong sense of community. Our club serves as a hub for social engagement and is known for its friendly atmosphere and commitment to culinary excellence.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join our team at Cooktown Bowls Club on a full-time basis. Based in Cooktown QLD 4895, this is a key leadership position within our kitchen operations. As Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of food preparation, menu development, and kitchen management. This role is strategically important to the club's reputation and success, as you will be instrumental in delivering consistently high-quality meals that enhance the dining experience for our members and guests.

Key responsibilities

• Leading and managing all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation standards
• Developing and designing menus that showcase culinary creativity whilst meeting the preferences and dietary requirements of our members and guests
• Maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and hygiene in accordance with relevant food handling regulations and club policies
• Supervising, training, and mentoring kitchen staff to ensure consistent performance and professional development
• Managing kitchen inventory, ordering supplies, and controlling food costs whilst maintaining profitability
• Planning and executing special events, functions, and themed dining experiences
• Monitoring food trends and innovating dishes to keep our offerings fresh and appealing
• Ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations and conducting regular kitchen audits
• Collaborating with management to support the club's overall vision and member satisfaction goals
• Maintaining excellent communication with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5 years of professional cooking experience, with at least 2 years in a head chef or senior chef role
• Formal culinary qualification or recognised chef certification
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, hygiene practices, and relevant legislation
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a kitchen team effectively
• Exceptional culinary skills with the ability to create diverse menus that appeal to a broad audience
• Experience in inventory management, budgeting, and cost control within a food service environment
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to work efficiently under pressure
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused approach
• Knowledge of contemporary cooking techniques and willingness to embrace innovation
• Physical fitness and ability to work in a demanding kitchen environment for extended periods
• Preferred: Experience working in a club or hospitality venue setting

What we offer

At Cooktown Bowls Club, we are committed to supporting our team members and creating a positive workplace culture. We offer competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional development and culinary creativity, and a supportive working environment where your expertise is valued. You will have the opportunity to work with fresh ingredients, build your culinary reputation within the community, and lead a dedicated kitchen team. We also offer the chance to be part of a close-knit, welcoming community venue where your contribution makes a real difference to our members' experiences.

Apply now

If you are an experienced Head Chef with a passion for delivering exceptional food and leading a kitchen team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, relevant qualifications, and a cover letter detailing your experience and why you would be an excellent fit for this role at Cooktown Bowls Club.

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated and committed individuals. Please apply only if you are genuinely interested in the position.