Head Chef

minorinternational· Kitchen & Culinary
Apply Now ↗
📍 Cairns, QLD, AustraliaFull time

About this role

Company Description

Minor Hotels is one of Australasia’s largest accommodation providers, managing over 70 properties in the region and a global portfolio of 640 properties across more than 66 countries. Our brands, Anantara, Avani, Oaks, NH Hotels, NH Collection, nhow, and Tivoli, span six continents, including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, and South America. Joining Minor means partnering with a diverse, expanding global organisation offering boundless opportunities to thrive and succeed.

Our people are the heart of our success, and we are committed to investing in your skills to support your career growth and advancement. You’ll feel valued as part of a tight-knit team, united in delivering exceptional guest experiences and thriving in a company dedicated to fostering an outstanding workplace culture.

Job Description

Oaks Cairns Hotel are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team on a full-time basis.

This role is essential in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and service are consistently delivered to guests. The successful candidate will inspire and manage the culinary team, drive menu innovation, and maintain efficient, compliant kitchen operations.

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen team to ensure high performance and adherence to standards.
  • Oversee the preparation and cooking of meals to consistently high quality and presentation standards.
  • Plan, develop, and implement menus, including seasonal and special offerings, in line with guest expectations and brand standards.
  • Monitor food costs, inventory, and stock control to maintain budgetary targets.
  • Ensure full compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), HACCP, and all hygiene regulations.
  • Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
  • Collaborate with management to support operational and strategic objectives, including training, rostering, and staff development.
  • Continuously review kitchen operations to identify opportunities for efficiency and quality improvement.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role you will have:

  • Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role within a hotel or high-volume environment.
  • Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and modern cuisine trends.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
  • Strong financial awareness, including food cost control and inventory management.
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
  • Positive, proactive attitude and genuine passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Additional Information

At Minor Hotels, we value our people as the heart of our success. Joining Minor means, you’ll enjoy a rewarding package designed to support your professional growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance:

What We Offer:

  • Career Growth: Learning and development programs to boost your career.
  • Exclusive Hotel Deals: 50% off stays at Minor Hotels in Australasia; 20% off for friends and family.
  • Global Perks: International accommodation discounts across our hotel brands.
  • Retail Rewards: Cashback and discounts at 400+ top retailers in AU/NZ.
  • Experiences: Discounted entertainment and activities.
  • Banking and Insurance: Exclusive health insurance offers and workplace banking benefits.
  • Generous Leave: Parental and birthday leave.
  • Wellness Boost: EAP and tailored wellness support.

Our people drive the success of our business; We are a dynamic organisation dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. We invest in your skills and foster a workplace culture that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.

Currently, we are only accepting applications from candidates who have working rights within Australia or New Zealand.  

Videos To Watch

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Head Chef position at minorinternational?
The salary for this Head Chef role at minorinternational is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Head Chef position at minorinternational located?
This Head Chef role at minorinternational is based in Cairns, QLD, Australia. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Head Chef role at minorinternational full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Head Chef role in the Kitchen & Culinary department at minorinternational.
Which team or department does the Head Chef at minorinternational belong to?
This Head Chef position is part of the Kitchen & Culinary department at minorinternational. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Head Chef position at minorinternational?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to minorinternational's official application portal hosted on smartrecruiters where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Head Chef job at minorinternational posted?
This Head Chef position at minorinternational was posted on Sep 30, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Head Chef
minorinternational
Apply for this role ↗

You'll be redirected to minorinternational's official application page on SmartRecruiters.