Head Chef

Head Chef – Hotel Commonwealth

Ipswich QLD | Full-Time | Aushotels Group

Hotel Commonwealth, located in the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich, are looking for a strong, practical, and hands-on Head Chef to help stabilise, grow, and elevate our kitchen operations.

Originally established in 1910 and recently restored, the venue blends historic charm with a modern pub and bistro offering. Our menu currently features classic pub favourites, pizzas, and a selection of approachable Australian dishes — and we are ready to refine and strengthen it with the right leader.

This is an ideal role for a chef who is passionate about team development, consistency, and building systems that last, while also contributing to sensible, well-designed menu improvements over time.

About the Role

The focus of this role is practical leadership and steady operational improvement. Responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting the kitchen team through a growth and rebuilding phase

• Training, upskilling and mentoring staff to improve consistency and standards

• Helping refine the menu to balance classic pub offerings with thoughtful, achievable innovation

• Managing day-to-day kitchen operations across restaurant, bistro, and functions

• Ensuring food quality, presentation and portion control are consistent

• Implementing and maintaining strong systems for hygiene, safety, and compliance

• Monitoring food costs, managing stock, and achieving reasonable GP targets

• Controlling labour costs and working within budget parameters

• Working hands-on during service and modelling best practice

This is a practical, leadership-focused position, we are looking for someone who can build structure, not just creativity.

About You

We're seeking a Head Chef who brings:

• Minimum 1+ years experience as a Head Chef in a similar hospitality environment is required

• A natural leader who enjoys teaching, coaching, and building a reliable team

• Strong organisational and planning skills

• The ability to design menus that are achievable, costed correctly and consistent

• Confidence managing kitchen operations, cost control and compliance

• A calm, solutions-focused attitude, especially during busy periods

• High standards of cleanliness, food safety and HACCP requirements

• A hands-on approach — willing to lead from the front

• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and peak periods

• Diploma in Hospitality Management or Commercial Cookery qualification is mandatory

Who We Are?

Hotel Commonwealth is part of the Aushotels Group, a family-owned group with a focus on community-driven hospitality. Our venues include the award-winning Exchange Hotel in Kilcoy, and we are committed to long-term growth, not short-term flash.

We approach things realistically:
We want a Head Chef who can build a solid foundation, improve the menu sensibly, and help transform the kitchen into a consistent, reliable, and respected operation.

Why Join Us?

• Supportive ownership and management who value strong leadership

• A chance to make meaningful, practical improvements to menu and operations

• Stable, full-time position in a respected family-owned group

How to Apply

If you're a steady, capable, and passionate leader who enjoys mentoring teams and lifting standards, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience.