Head Chef – Hotel Commonwealth
Ipswich QLD | Full-Time | Aushotels Group
Hotel Commonwealth, located in the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich, is entering an exciting rebuilding phase, and we are looking for a strong, practical, and hands-on Head Chef to help stabilise, grow, and elevate our kitchen operations.
Originally established in 1910 and recently restored, the venue blends historic charm with a modern pub and bistro offering. Our menu currently features classic pub favourites, pizzas, and a selection of approachable Australian dishes — and we are ready to refine and strengthen it with the right leader.
This is an ideal role for a chef who is passionate about team development, consistency, and building systems that last, while also contributing to sensible, well-designed menu improvements over time.
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About the Role
The focus of this role is practical leadership and steady operational improvement. Responsibilities include:
* Leading and supporting the kitchen team through a growth and rebuilding phase
* Training, upskilling and mentoring staff to improve consistency and standards
* Helping refine the menu to balance classic pub offerings with thoughtful, achievable innovation
* Managing day-to-day kitchen operations across restaurant, bistro, and functions
* Ensuring food quality, presentation and portion control are consistent
* Implementing and maintaining strong systems for hygiene, safety, and compliance
* Monitoring food costs, managing stock, and achieving reasonable GP targets
* Controlling labour costs and working within budget parameters
* Working hands-on during service and modelling best practice
This is a practical, leadership-focused position—not a "show pony" or experimental chef role. We are looking for someone who can build structure, not just creativity.
About You
We're seeking a Head Chef who brings:
• Experience as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef in a pub/bistro or similar venue
• A natural leader who enjoys teaching, coaching, and building a reliable team
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• The ability to design menus that are achievable, costed correctly and consistent
• Confidence managing kitchen operations, cost control and compliance
• A calm, solutions-focused attitude, especially during busy periods
• High standards of cleanliness, food safety and HACCP requirements
• A hands-on approach — willing to lead from the front
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and peak periods
• Minimum three years as a qualified chef
Who We Are?
Hotel Commonwealth is part of the Aushotels Group, a family-owned group with a focus on community-driven hospitality. Our venues include the award-winning Exchange Hotel in Kilcoy, and we are committed to long-term growth, not short-term flash.
We approach things realistically:
We want a Head Chef who can build a solid foundation, improve the menu sensibly, and help transform the kitchen into a consistent, reliable, and respected operation.
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Why Join Us?
* Opportunity to genuinely shape the kitchen during a rebuilding phase
* Supportive ownership and management who value strong leadership
* A chance to make meaningful, practical improvements to menu and operations
* Stable, full-time position in a respected family-owned group
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How to Apply
If you're a steady, capable, and passionate leader who enjoys mentoring teams and lifting standards, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience.