Overview
Lead Culinary Excellence at Sunshine Coast Airport! At LagardèreAWPL, we're not just the largest Travel Retail operator in the Pacific – we're the most passionate! With 150+ stores across Australia, New Zealand, we bring big brands to life in airports and travel hubs. Our dynamic team of 1,500+ professionals work across 40 unique retail concepts – and now, we want YOU to join our team!
The Role: Following our successful tender win at Sunshine Coast Airport we are embarking on the delivery of six large scale Food & Beverage venues that will be progressively developed over the next 12 months. As a result, we are building a brand-new Food & Beverage team to support what will become our largest F&B footprint to date. Over the next 12 months we will be bringing to life a diverse portfolio of food and beverage concepts, including:
* An all-day Bar & Dining destination showcasing an extensive range of locally sourced produce.
* An Asian QSR concept featuring in house made dumplings and fresh sushi.
* An Elevated Burger QSR complemented by an innovative self-serve pay by weight dessert bar.
* A Premium Salad & Health Bar focused on fresh ingredients and 100% product traceability.
* Multiple Coffee and Café concepts offering quality coffee alongside a curated range of grab and go items
Head Chef: You will lead all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and team performance across multiple outlets.
What You'll Do
* Oversee cafés, restaurants, and production kitchens delivering retail food concepts.
* Drive food quality and presentation standards aligned with our airport dining vision.
* Manage ordering, purchasing, stock control, and supplier relationships.
* Design and cost menus in collaboration with the Executive Chef, optimising margins and sales performance.
* Lead, recruit, train, and develop a culinary team of approximately 10–15 team members.
* Implement shrink and waste control strategies to protect profitability.
* Ensure compliance with Food Safety, WHS, RSA, and airport security requirements.
* Partner closely with the Food & Beverage Manager and broader operational teams to meet financial and service targets.
What We're Looking For
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or senior culinary leader in a high-volume environment.
* Strong leadership capability with a passion for developing and mentoring teams.
* Commercially astute, with experience in menu costing, labour planning, and financial performance management.
* Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail in fast-paced environments.
* Experience in multi-outlet or airport operations is highly desirable.
* Valid ASIC (or ability to obtain), along with Food Safety and relevant certifications.
Benefits
* Parking – Based on location we offer free/subsidised airport parking for our employees
* Dynamic Airport Environment – Work where no two days are the same
* Staff Discounts – Get exclusive discounts on products in our stores + extra savings on water & hot beverages
* Career Development – We offer opportunities to upskill, take on new challenges and grow your career within our vibrant network
* Paid Parental Leave – We proudly support growing families with up to 18 weeks of employer-funded top-up paid parental leave scheme + additional personal leave entitlements
* Employee Referral Program – Refer your awesome network for a chance to receive a reward + go into the running to win an end-of-year bonus
* Wellbeing Leave – From day one our permanent employees receive a paid Wellbeing Leave day
* Employee Assistance Program – Everyone has FREE access to TELUS Health – a 24/7 service offering compassionate, confidential support whenever you need it
We Value Diversity & Inclusion
At LagardèreAWPL, we value diversity, inclusivity, and a collaborative work environment, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside a talented team of people who share your passion for creativity and excellence.
Join us at LagardèreAWPL and be part of a global company that celebrates creativity, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable practices.
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