Head Chef â Brisbane Events | The Fresh Collective
The Fresh Collective is seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our dynamic Brisbane event operations, based at The Waters Edge. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, high-end environment focused on premium social and corporate events.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations and leading a talented brigade. You’ll collaborate closely with our Brisbane-based management team to deliver exceptional culinary experiences across a variety of events.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage day-to-day kitchen operations
- Lead and mentor the kitchen team
- Oversee social and corporate catering functions, on and offsite
- Ensure compliance with health, hygiene, and safety standards
- Control food and labour costs, budgeting, and forecasting
- Handle kitchen administration and staff recruitment
- Develop innovative menus aligned with modern food trends for bespoke events
About You
We’re looking for a calm, motivated leader with a strong culinary background and a passion for excellence.
Qualifications & Experience
- Formal culinary qualifications (Certificate IV or Diploma in Commercial Cookery preferred)
- Minimum 3â5 years in a senior kitchen leadership role, ideally within events, catering, or hospitality venues
- Proven experience in high-volume, high-end event catering (corporate, weddings, social functions)
Leadership & Management
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a kitchen brigade
- Experience in staff recruitment, training, and performance management
- Ability to foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance kitchen culture
Operational Expertise
- Proficient in kitchen administration, including ordering, inventory, and supplier management
- Strong understanding of food and labour cost controls, budgeting, and forecasting
- Knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and workplace health and hygiene regulations
Creativity & Menu Development
- Ability to design and execute innovative menus aligned with modern food trends and client expectations
- Experience in tailoring menus for diverse event types and dietary requirements
Communication & Collaboration
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work closely with event managers, clients, and front-of-house teams
- Ability to problem-solve under pressure and adapt quickly to changing event needs
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about food and hospitality
- Highly organised with a keen eye for detail
- Proactive, solution-oriented, and committed to excellence
- Valid Australian work rights
Benefits
- Competitive salary: $100,000â$115,000 + super, based on experience
- Work with a leading national hospitality group
- Paid parking
- Meals provided
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development
- Excellent working conditions
- Company-wide discounts
About the company â The Fresh Collective
Sydney based hospitality group, The Fresh Collective, operates a portfolio of cafés, restaurants and stores and provides catering and event services in a number of iconic venues across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane including Art Gallery of NSW, The Queensland Museum, Waters Edge Weddings & Events and Riverlife in Brisbane. At Fresh we have a reputation for the delivery of excellent food and service, with a team of dedicated professionals, who are among the best in the industry.