Charcoal Chef – Rookey
Location: Moorooka, QLD Job Type: Full-time Salary: $65,000 – $80,000 per year + superannuation
About Rookey,
Rookey is an exciting new charcoal spot launching in Brisbane's vibrant suburb Moorooka. We're all about accessible, high-quality food — Charcoal Chicken, smash burgers, crispy chicken, charcoal-grilled skewers, and fresh signature salads.
We're opening soon, and we're looking for a passionate Charcoal Chef to be a foundational member of our kitchen team. This is a rare opportunity to shape a brand-new menu from day one and grow with us as we expand.
The Role
As our Charcoal Chef, you'll own the charcoal station — the heart of our kitchen. You'll be responsible for:
- Charcoal chicken: Marinating, preparing, and grilling charcoal chicken to consistent, high-quality standards
- Skewers: Preparing and cooking chicken, lamb, and beef mince (kofta-style) skewers over charcoal — served as wraps, chip bowls, and salad bowls
- Salads: Preparing our signature salads, including the Rookey Greek Salad, with fresh, consistent presentation
- Sauces: Bringing creativity to the kitchen — developing, testing, and refining house-made sauces and marinades that set Rookey apart
- Prep and quality control: Daily prep, marination schedules, portioning, and maintaining consistency across every plate
- Food safety: Maintaining a clean station and following all Queensland food safety standards
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience with charcoal/chargrill cooking (charcoal chicken shop, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Lebanese, Greek, or Portuguese grill experience highly regarded)
- Strong skills in marinades, spice blends, and sauce-making — and genuine enthusiasm for developing new recipes
- Experience preparing and grilling skewers/kebabs at volume
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced service environment
- Understanding of pork-free kitchen requirements
- Availability for evening and weekend shifts (we trade 11 AM – midnight)
- Food Safety certificate (or willingness to obtain)
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery preferred but not essential — skills and experience matter most
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of $70,000 – $80,000 + super, based on experience
- A genuine seat at the table: input into menu development, sauces, and specials
- Growth opportunity — be part of the founding team as we roll out new menu phases and expand
- Staff meals on shift
- A supportive, respectful kitchen culture
How to Apply
Apply with your resume and a short note about your charcoal grilling experience. Tell us about a sauce or marinade you've created that you're proud of — we'd love to hear it.
Rookey is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Pay: From $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free drinks
- Free food
- Visa sponsorship
Work Location: In person
