We are offering an exciting opportunity for a passionate and skilled chef to join the team at Theodore Hotel, where you can take the lead in shaping a vibrant culinary experience. Located in Theodore, Queensland, the hotel carries a proud history of providing exceptional meals and friendly service.
As a chef, you will work closely with our team to deliver high-quality dishes while contributing to menu development and the overall kitchen operations. This role offers a chance to showcase your creativity and culinary skills in a supportive environment with excellent benefits, including accommodation, meals and visa sponsorship options for the right candidate.
With a competitive salary of $75,000 – $80,000 per year, this full-time position is ideal for someone with experience in alacarte dining and modern food trends. The role also offers flexibility, allowing you to balance work and life in a charming country town.
As part of the Dawson Hospitality Group, you’ll enjoy employee discounts, a team-oriented work environment and opportunities for professional growth. If you’re reliable, efficient and eager to make your mark in the culinary world, we invite you to join us and become a key part of Theodore Hotel’s legacy.
Why This Role?
This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to craft a rewarding career in an environment where you can make a real difference. You will have the chance to create culinary experiences that leave lasting impressions on our guests while working in a close-knit, supportive community. We offer the perfect combination of professional growth, lifestyle balance and a sense of belonging in a charming rural setting.
Skills and Qualifications Required
To thrive in this role, certain skills and qualifications are essential. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Experience in Alacarte Dining and Char Grill Cooking: You must have experience working as a qualified chef, particularly in alacarte dining, including expertise with char grilling techniques. This position calls for a solid understanding of modern food trends to keep the menu fresh and appealing to a variety of palates.
- Reliability and Punctuality: A dependable chef who is always on time and performs well under pressure is essential to ensure smooth kitchen operations, especially during busy service times.
- Team Collaboration: The ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively within a team environment is key. You’ll be working closely with other chefs, kitchen hands and front-of-house staff to provide excellent service to our customers.
- Food Safety Certification: A valid food safety certificate is required to ensure all food is prepared to the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
- Driver’s License (Preferred): While not mandatory, a driving license would be beneficial, particularly for those considering the drive-in/out option.
Key Responsibilities of the Role
As a chef at Theodore Hotel, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering unforgettable dining experiences, from casual meals to large functions. Below are the key responsibilities associated with this role:
- Hands-on Leadership: You’ll maintain a hands-on approach to ensure the delivery of exceptional food experiences, whether it’s a la carte dining or catering for special events and functions.
- Daily Food Preparation: You will oversee the daily preparation, production and presentation of meals, ensuring that all dishes are made to the highest quality standards.
- Menu Development: Working alongside the head chef, you will contribute to the creation of innovative and well-balanced menus that showcase both creativity and efficiency. Your input will be key in keeping our offerings fresh, exciting and reflective of current culinary trends.
- Driving Improvements: You will be responsible for identifying and implementing continuous improvements in kitchen processes, supporting both the profitability of the restaurant and the growth of its reputation.
- Stock Monitoring: Managing food stocks will be a critical part of your role, including tracking stock movement, handling deliveries, rotating inventory and placing timely and efficient orders for supplies.
- Mis En Place: Ensuring that all sections of the kitchen are fully prepared for service, you will manage the completion of mis en place across the kitchen.
- Maintaining Cleanliness: You will implement and manage cleaning schedules, ensuring that all kitchen areas, including storage spaces, remain clean, tidy and organized at all times.
- Training Staff: As part of your leadership role, you’ll be responsible for training kitchen hands and other staff members, helping them grow their skills and contribute to the overall success of the team.
Benefits of Joining Us
At Theodore Hotel, we believe in creating an environment that is both professionally rewarding and personally enriching. Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our team:
- A Supportive Team in a Welcoming Country Town: You’ll be part of a friendly and tight-knit team in a community-oriented country town. Theodore offers a relaxed, scenic environment where you can enjoy a great work-life balance.
- Accommodation and Meals Provided: We offer accommodation and meals as part of the role, making it easier for those looking to relocate or considering the live-in option.
- Visa Sponsorship Options: For the right candidate, we offer visa sponsorship, providing an excellent opportunity for those looking to live and work in Australia long-term.
- Work/Life Balance: We believe that a happy chef is a productive chef. We offer a balanced schedule that allows you to enjoy your life both inside and outside of work.
- Chef Uniforms: We provide professional chef uniforms, ensuring you have everything you need to represent the kitchen in style.
- Employee Discounts: As a member of the Dawson Hospitality Group, you’ll enjoy employee discounts at other venues within our hospitality group, offering you great perks even when you’re not working.
About the Employer
This position is offered by Dawson Hospitality Group Pty Ltd, a well-established hospitality company dedicated to delivering outstanding customer experiences across a range of venues. Dawson Hospitality Group is known for its commitment to quality, community and professional development. This role is a full-time position located in Theodore, Central Queensland (postcode 4716). The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary in the range of $75,000 – $80,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Role Requirements
- Flexible Hours: We offer flexibility in working hours, ensuring that you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant work experience as a chef is required to be considered for this role.
- Work Rights: You must have the necessary working rights for Australia to be eligible for this position.
- Start Date: We are looking for someone who can start on 01 November 2024, allowing ample time for the right candidate to transition into the role smoothly.
Salary and Compensation
The salary for this position ranges from $75,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on your level of experience and expertise. This is a highly competitive salary for the region, especially when combined with the additional benefits of accommodation, meals and the opportunity for professional growth within Dawson Hospitality Group.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role at Theodore Hotel, where you’ll be empowered to create, innovate and contribute to the success of a dynamic team. Whether you’re a local or someone looking to relocate to beautiful Central Queensland, this position offers a chance to thrive in a supportive and welcoming environment. With visa sponsorship options available, accommodation provided and a competitive salary on offer, this could be the perfect next step in your culinary career.
We are looking for a chef who is not only skilled but also passionate about food, team collaboration and continuous improvement. If you’re ready to take on this exciting challenge and become a key part of Theodore Hotel’s legacy, we encourage you to apply and be part of something you can truly be proud of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are required for this position?
You need to be a qualified chef with experience in alacarte dining, including char grill techniques. A food safety certificate is also required and a valid driver’s license is preferred but not mandatory.
Is accommodation provided?
Yes, accommodation and meals are provided for the successful candidate, making it easier for those looking to relocate.
What is the salary range for this role?
The salary for this full-time position ranges from $75,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Are there visa sponsorship options available?
Yes, visa sponsorship options are available for the right candidate, making this an excellent opportunity for international chefs looking to work in Australia.
What are the work hours like?
The position offers flexible hours to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Specific schedules will be discussed during the hiring process.
What type of cuisine will I be working with?
You’ll primarily be working in alacarte dining, with a focus on modern food trends and char grill techniques. You will also collaborate with the head chef on menu creation for events and functions.
What is the work environment like?
Theodore Hotel prides itself on being a supportive, team-oriented environment. You will work closely with other chefs, kitchen hands and front-of-house staff to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
When is the expected start date?
The position is expected to start on November 1, 2024, providing ample time for the successful candidate to transition into the role.
Is there an opportunity for professional growth?
Yes, working at Theodore Hotel under the Dawson Hospitality Group offers opportunities for career growth, along with employee discounts at other venues within the group.
What other benefits are included?
In addition to the salary, accommodation, meals and visa sponsorship options, you’ll also receive chef uniforms, employee discounts and the chance to work in a beautiful country town.



