Cook with Purpose – Lead a Culinary Team That Cares
Location: Cooinda Aged Care, Gympie, Queensland
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Package: Competitive Salary + Super + Salary Packaging + Employee Assistance Program
We're looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead kitchen operations at Cooinda Aged Care in Gympie. This is your chance to combine your culinary flair with leadership in a values-driven aged care environment—and make a real difference every single day.
What You'll Do
Step into a leadership role where your creativity and expertise shape every plate. You'll run a kitchen that doesn't just serve meals—it creates experiences that bring comfort and joy to our residents. Your responsibilities will include:
* Running your own kitchen and service for 165 residents
* Designing menus that are fresh, varied, and resident-inspired
* Leading and motivating your kitchen team
* Ensuring food safety, hygiene, and compliance with nutrition standards
* Managing stock, budgets, and cost controls
* Collaborating with care teams to meet dietary needs
* Championing continuous improvement as our Food Safety Officer
What You'll Bring
We're looking for a leader who combines culinary expertise with a passion for people. You'll need:
* Significant experience in commercial cookery for large groups
* Strong leadership skills to guide and grow your team
* Knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP compliance
* Qualification in Commercial Cookery
* Valid NDIS Worker Screening or Police Check
* Queensland Driver's Licence
* Bonus: Experience in aged care or healthcare settings
About Us
Lutheran Services is one of Queensland's longest-established not-for-profit aged care and community services providers. As we celebrate 90 years of service in 2025, we continue to offer a broad range of services including aged care, retirement living, home care, disability, youth and family, mental health, and domestic violence support.
With our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, we're building on our reputation for leading aged care and community services by growing with purpose – creating great places to work and live through adaptable, high-quality environments that meet the evolving needs of residents, clients and staff.
We're more than an aged care provider—we're a community that values compassion, innovation, and excellence. Since 1935, Lutheran Services has been creating meaningful experiences that fosters dignity and connection, and we want to keep reinvigorating what aged care can look like - so it is the best experience for our residents.
Why You'll Love It Here
We believe in rewarding your talent and supporting your growth. Here's what you can expect:
* Above Award Wages under our brand-new EA
* Salary Packaging—up to $15,990 tax-free
* Career Growth—study support, time off for training, and pathways into other care areas
* Perks—Employee Assistance Program, discounts on health insurance, utilities, appliances, and holidays
Ready to lead with purpose?
Apply now by attaching your resume and completing the application form. For a copy of the Position Description, click here.