Cosmos Cocktail Lounge is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team on a full-time basis. Located in the heart of Port Douglas, Cosmos is a vibrant venue offering modern dining, handcrafted cocktails, private functions, and exceptional customer service.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated chef to take ownership of our kitchen operations, develop seasonal menus, and maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety, and service.
About the Role
As our Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring efficient daily operations while delivering high-quality cuisine and maintaining compliance with food safety standards.
This is a full-time, permanent position requiring flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, develop and update seasonal menus.
- Estimate food and labour costs to achieve budget targets.
- Order, receive and manage food supplies and stock levels.
- Monitor the quality of dishes at every stage of preparation and presentation.
- Prepare and cook high-quality meals in a fast-paced commercial kitchen.
- Supervise, mentor and coordinate kitchen staff.
- Demonstrate cooking techniques and provide guidance on food preparation procedures.
- Liaise with management regarding menu planning, stock control and kitchen operations.
- Maintain strict food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety standards.
- Train and develop kitchen staff to ensure consistent performance.
- Monitor food storage, freezing and preservation techniques to minimise waste.
- Maintain a clean, organised and efficient kitchen environment.
Skills & Experience
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, Diploma of Hospitality Management or an equivalent relevant qualification.
- A minimum of three years' experience working in a commercial kitchen, including experience in a leadership or senior chef role.
- Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining high standards.
- Strong leadership, communication and team management skills.
- Australian work rights or eligibility to work in Australia.
What We Offer
- Full-time permanent employment.
- Competitive salary based on skills and experience.
- Supportive and professional team environment.
- Opportunity to contribute creatively to menu development.
- Work in one of Tropical North Queensland's premier hospitality destinations.
- Career growth opportunities within a growing business.
If you are an experienced Head Chef who is passionate about producing exceptional food and leading a successful kitchen team, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: $85,000.00 – $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
