Head Chef | Springlake Hotel

Job description

Bring your American BBQ experience to a busy, community-focused venue with a serious events calendar. Springlake Hotel is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and take ownership of the food offering across a busy bistro, smokehouse and function operation. This is a great opportunity for a chef with a strong background in American BBQ, smokehouse-style cooking and high-volume pub kitchens, combined with proven experience delivering functions, events and large-scale catering. Our smokehouse offering features slow-cooked brisket, sausages and ribs prepared in our on-site smoker, alongside a strong range of pub classics and daily specials. With multiple function spaces and the ability to host events of up to 400 guests, functions are a key part of the operation. From weddings and corporate events through to celebrations and BBQ buffets, we need a Head Chef who understands how to execute consistently at volume. What you'll be doing Lead and develop a passionate kitchen team Take ownership of kitchen operations, food quality and presentation Drive the smokehouse and BBQ offering, bringing your own ideas and expertise Manage high-volume service across the bistro and functions Plan and execute menus for weddings, corporate functions, celebrations and large events Work closely with the Venue Manager and wider leadership team Manage food costs, labour, ordering, stock control and wastage Maintain strong food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards Develop and coach your team to build a strong kitchen culture Ensure consistency across every service, regardless of volume Bring creativity and commercial thinking to the ongoing development of the menu What we're looking for We're looking for a hands-on and commercially minded Head Chef who knows how to lead from the front. You'll ideally have: Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready for the next step A background in American BBQ, smokehouse or meat-focused venues Strong knowledge of smoking, low-and-slow cooking and BBQ techniques Experience working in high-volume pubs, restaurants or similar environments Strong functions and events experience, including large-scale service Excellent leadership and communication skills A strong understanding of food costs, labour and kitchen financials The ability to remain calm and organised during busy services A genuine passion for food and developing a high-performing team Why Springlake Hotel? Competitive salary + annual bonus of up to $20K paid quarterly Lead the kitchen of a well-established local venue Make your mark on a strong smokehouse and American BBQ offering Work across a diverse operation spanning bistro, sports bar and functions Opportunity to showcase your skills across large-scale events and functions Join a venue with multiple function spaces and capacity for significant events Be part of a supportive venue leadership team Opportunity to develop and grow the kitchen operation If you're a Head Chef who loves BBQ, thrives in a busy environment and knows how to deliver exceptional food at volume, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and bring your expertise to Springlake Hotel.