Position: Chef
Type: Full-time
Employer: Vinayaka Skanda Pty Ltd trading as Gardens Tearooms
Location: The Range QLD 4700
Salary: $78,000 - $82,000 p/a
About the Business
Nestled inside the iconic Rockhampton Botanical Gardens, Gardens Tearooms is a premier hospitality destination that combines exceptional café dining with the natural beauty of its historic garden setting. Specialising in Devonshire teas under 150‐year‐old Banyan trees, high teas, afternoon teas, seasonal cakes, light lunches, and catering services, the business offers fresh, quality ingredients with health‐conscious gluten‐free and dairy‐free options to suit every lifestyle. Renowned for its warm hospitality and family‐friendly atmosphere—complete with proximity to the adjacent free zoo—the tearooms have built a strong local and tourist reputation for creating memorable experiences. We value excellence, inclusivity, sustainability, and creativity in everything we do, fostering a supportive, collaborative workplace culture where team members thrive in a picturesque, positive environment.
About the Position
The Chef is a key leadership role within Vinayaka Skanda Pty Ltd trading as Gardens Tearooms, responsible for leading the busy kitchen to deliver high‐quality food across our à la carte menu, high teas, Devonshire teas, and catering services. Working closely with the Café Manager, this full‐time position plays a vital part in maintaining kitchen efficiency, upholding food safety and presentation standards, supervising and training kitchen staff, and contributing to menu innovation—ensuring the business continues to deliver exceptional guest experiences and supports ongoing growth in regional Queensland.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the kitchen team in the preparation, cooking, and plating of all menu items, high teas, and catering orders to ensure consistent quality and presentation.
* Oversee daily food preparation, mise en place, portion control, and stock management to support efficient high‐volume service.
* Maintain strict hygiene, food safety, and OH&S standards in full compliance with Australian regulations.
* Supervise, direct, and train cooks, casual cooks, and kitchen hands to optimise team performance and service delivery.
* Plan and develop seasonal menus, daily specials, and high‐margin items tailored to customer preferences.
* Manage ingredient ordering, supplier relationships, inventory systems, and cost control to minimise wastage.
* Collaborate with front‐of‐house and barista teams to ensure seamless operations during peak periods.
* Monitor kitchen operations and contribute to roster management to meet the demands of a busy daytime café.
Requirements
* Australian citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to apply.
* Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent recognised qualification).
* Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in a commercial kitchen environment.
* Strong technical skills in short‐order cooking, high‐volume service, menu planning, food costing, and kitchen leadership.
* Excellent food safety knowledge (Food Safety Supervisor certification highly regarded) and proven ability to maintain compliance standards.
* Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including team supervision, staff training, clear communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast‐paced, customer‐focused team.
* Flexibility and willingness to work in a regional Queensland location.
#J-18808-Ljbffr