Overview
Are you a talented and passionate Head Chef ready to take the reins in an award-winning café with excellent work-life balance? If you thrive in a creative, leadership-driven environment and want to lead a team to success, we want to hear from you!
The Chambers, an established café in Cairns City, is seeking a Head Chef to lead our culinary team in delivering outstanding food across breakfast, brunch, lunch, and private functions. This is a rare opportunity to showcase your creativity, culinary expertise, and leadership skills while enjoying a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.
About the Role
As our Head Chef, you'll be responsible for curating and maintaining an exceptional menu that delights our guests. Your creativity and leadership will be essential in ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly, and our food continues to impress. You will report directly to the Owner and you will lead the team collaborating with Café Sous Chef and Functions and Event Sous Chef along with the kitchen team as a whole. You will also work closely with the front of house team including Café Manager and FOH team along with our Functions and Events Manager and Supervisor, ensuring excellent communication and a collaborative environment.
This full-time role offers a 40-hour work week with early mornings, weekends, and occasional evening shifts for private or special events on occasion. Normal working hours 6am to 3:00pm - 3:30pm (on average) 5 days a week. It's a challenging yet rewarding opportunity where your leadership will directly impact the success of the team and the café.
What You'll Be Doing
Leading a talented team of chefs and kitchen staff, ensuring smooth timely service and high standards
Overseeing the creation and daily execution of the menu, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Collaborating with the team to write recent dishes, refine recipes, and manage food costings
Ensuring a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen environment at all times
Managing inventory, ordering stock, and minimising food wastage
Rostering the kitchen team in line with expected trade, company goals and wage costs
Training and mentoring kitchen staff, fostering a positive, team-focused culture
Maintaining excellent communication between upper management the kitchen and front-of-house team
About Us
The Chambers is a vibrant café in Cairns City, known for its exceptional brunches, efficient service, delicious flavours, and beautiful presentation. We focus on locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that both satisfy and surprise. Open 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Sunday, with private functions and events throughout the week/weekend. Our team is passionate, friendly, and hardworking, and we're committed to offering a supportive, positive work environment.
What We're Looking For
Experience:
At least 3+ years in a Head Chef role in a similar rapid-paced café environment
Creativity:
A passion for cutting-edge menu creation and knowledge of current food trends
Leadership:
Strong management skills to lead and motivate a diverse team, while also being a hands-on mentor
Organisation:
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Flexibility:
Availability for early mornings, weekends, and occasional evenings
Trade Qualifications:
Cert IV or equivalent experience
Work Ethic:
A reliable, trustworthy, and positive attitude that sets the tone for the kitchen
Location:
Currently located (or soon to be) in Cairns and planning to stay long-term
Why Join Us?
Enjoy a great work-life balance with a 40-hour work week
Paid overtime
Work with a friendly, passionate team in an award-winning café
Two consecutive days off each week
Leadership role that allows you to shape and elevate our menu, staff, and reputation
Generous renumeration and salary package options available
How to Apply
If you're excited to bring your culinary skills and leadership to a team that values creativity, work-life balance, and a outstanding environment, we'd love to hear from you. Please email your resume and a little bit about yourself to
[emailprotected]
We can't wait to meet you!
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📌 Head Chef
🏢 The Chambers Cairns
📍 Cairns