HEAD CHEF – THE QUEENS HOTEL GLADSTONE
Lead. Create. Elevate. This Is Your Kitchen.
The Queens Hotel Gladstone is entering a major new era — with more than $10 million currently being invested into transforming our venue into Central Queensland's leading hospitality destination.
We are now searching for a visionary, hands-on, high-performance Head Chef to take charge of our kitchen and drive the next phase of our culinary journey. This is not "just another pub chef job" — this is a rare opportunity to put your name on a venue that is being rebuilt from the ground up, including a brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen arriving within the next 12 months.
If you're a leader with flair, creativity, discipline, and a passion for delivering elevated dining experiences, we want you at the helm.
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THE ROLE
As Head Chef, you will be the driving force behind our food operations across multiple outlets — from our premium Sports Bar to our Restaurant and Function spaces.
You'll lead a high-performing, culturally diverse team while ensuring consistency, excellence, and innovation across every plate that leaves the pass.
You'll set the standard, inspire your crew, and work closely with Directors and Senior Management as we shape the future of The Queens.
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ABOUT YOU
You're passionate, hands-on, and thrive in a high-volume venue. You balance creativity with discipline, and you refuse to serve "just another pub meal."
You'll bring:
* A strong vision for food and menu development
* The confidence to lead, mentor, and develop your team
* A flair for creating memorable, modern pub classics with a premium edge
* A positive, solutions-focused attitude
* Pride in delivering consistency, quality, and efficiency
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KEY CRITERIA
* Passion for hospitality and a long-term career mindset
* Friendly, enthusiastic, and energetic leadership style
* Ability to coach, mentor, motivate, and set standards
* Exceptional food presentation and creative menu development skills
* Strong communication with both BOH + FOH teams
* Calm and capable under pressure in a high-volume environment
* Strong understanding of COGS, labour control, budgets, and compliance
* Committed to maintaining and exceeding group and venue standards
* Ability to collaborate with Directors, Senior Management, and Specialists
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ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
* Minimum 5+ years in a Head Chef position
* Experience managing large, diverse teams across busy kitchen environments
* Proven success delivering high-quality meals in fast-paced venues
* Strong operational knowledge of compliance, safety, kitchen systems, and service delivery
* Availability to work nights, weekends, and major events
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WHAT WE OFFER
* Competitive salary + super (based on experience)
* Leadership role within a major redevelopment project
* Opportunity to influence menu direction and kitchen design
* Supportive, driven management team
* A platform to build something iconic in regional Queensland
* A workplace culture where new ideas and innovation are celebrated
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READY TO LEAD THE KITCHEN OF A $10M REDEVELOPMENT?
Apply now via SEEK or email your resume & cover letter to:
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.