Head Chef – Hotel Commonwealth

The Venue

Hotel Commonwealth, located in the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich, was originally established in 1910 and recently restored, the venue blends historic charm with a modern pub and bistro offering.

About the Role

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

1. Leading and supporting the kitchen team through a growth and rebuilding phase
2. Training, upskilling and mentoring staff to improve consistency and standards
3. Managing day-to-day kitchen operations across restaurant, bistro, and functions
4. Ensuring food quality, presentation and portion control are consistent
5. Implementing and maintaining strong systems for hygiene, safety, and compliance
6. Monitoring food costs, managing stock, and achieving reasonable GP targets
7. Controlling labour costs and working within budget parameters
8. Working hands-on during service and modelling best practice

About You

We’re seeking a Head Chef who brings:

1. Experience as a Head Chef in a pub/bistro or similar venue
2. A natural leader who enjoys teaching, coaching, and building a reliable team
3. Strong organisational and planning skills
4. The ability to design menus that are achievable, costed correctly and consistent
5. Confidence managing kitchen operations, cost control and compliance
6. A calm, solutions-focused attitude, especially during busy periods
7. High standards of cleanliness, food safety supervisor certificate and HACCP requirements
8. A hands-on approach — willing to lead from the front
9. Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and peak periods
10. 5+ years of professional kitchen experience, including leadership roles
11. Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
12. Diploma of Hospitality Management is preferred for advanced leadership