Head Chef Springlake Hotel

**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.**