Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
Hemingway's Brewery FNQ – Port Douglas
Full-time | Restaurant Industry Award – Level 6
Hemingway's Brewery FNQ operates high-volume, well-run venues built on strong systems, clear standards, and capable teams who take pride in what they do.
Our Port Douglas venue is located at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Tropical North Queensland, servicing locals, visitors, and events year-round in a busy but professional hospitality environment.
We are seeking an experienced Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to take ownership of the kitchen operation and lead a stable, well-structured team.
About the Role
This is a senior kitchen leadership role focused on consistency, compliance, and people leadership — not constant menu reinvention.
You will have full operational responsibility for the kitchen and work closely with Restaurant Management, Front of House, Events, Head Office, and suppliers to ensure smooth service, strong standards, and commercial performance.
You will be hands-on during service, visible to your team, and accountable for the overall performance of the kitchen operation.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, train, and develop a team of chefs and cooks
* Deliver consistent food quality aligned with group menus and standards
* Manage kitchen rosters, labour costs, and operational coverage
* Control food costs, COGS, wastage, and stock levels
* Oversee ordering, supplier relationships, and inventory control
* Ensure compliance with food safety, WHS, licensing, and regulatory requirements
* Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen
* Coordinate equipment maintenance and kitchen upkeep
* Complete kitchen administration, reporting, and internal communications
* Support events and collaborate with FOH and Management teams as required
About You
You are an experienced Head Chef who enjoys running a structured, well-organised kitchen.
You bring a practical, professional approach to leadership and understand that strong systems, clear standards, and good communication drive performance.
You will have:
* Proven experience in a senior kitchen leadership role
* Strong people leadership and team development skills
* Solid understanding of labour management, food costing, and stock control
* Sound knowledge of food safety, WHS, and compliance requirements
* A calm, hands-on leadership style during busy service periods
You take pride in running a kitchen properly and developing a capable team.
Location & Lifestyle – Port Douglas
This role is based in Port Douglas, Far North Queensland — offering a coastal lifestyle alongside year-round trade in a busy, professional venue.
It may suit candidates considering a sea-change without stepping away from a high-volume kitchen environment.
What's on Offer
* Full-time position based in Port Douglas
* Paid in accordance with the Restaurant Industry Award – Level 6 (Head Chef)
* Clear expectations, strong systems, and operational support
* Opportunity to work in one of Australia's most iconic locations
Apply now to join the Hemingway's Brewery FNQ team and take ownership of a well-run kitchen operation.