We are seeking a skilled and driven Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a new Mexican/Australian fusion venue opening in Burleigh Heads. This role requires complete ownership of kitchen operations, including ordering, rostering, cost control, stock management, delegation, and maintaining disciplined command of service standards across all shifts. A deep, working knowledge of authentic Mexican cuisine and flavour profiles is essential and non-negotiable; the successful candidate must demonstrate genuine experience with traditional techniques, ingredients, regional variations, and flavour balancing, and be capable of integrating these foundations intelligently with Australian influences to create a refined and commercially strong menu.
The position will begin with casual hours for the first three weeks to allow both parties to assess alignment and to collaboratively develop and refine the brand-new menu. Following this period, the role will transition into full-time hours during the venue’s renovation phase, where the Head Chef will play a key role in managing, organising, and strategically developing the entire kitchen layout and operational flow from the ground up. Strong leadership, financial awareness, and the ability to work closely with ownership to build a high-performance kitchen culture are critical. This is a full-time leadership opportunity suited to a confident and accountable chef capable of building and directing a kitchen operation from inception.