Head Chef
Mary Mae’s is looking for an experienced, energetic and commercially minded Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at one of Brisbane’s most iconic riverside locations.
Located within
the Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm,
Mary Mae’s is a vibrant
all-day venue combining relaxed riverside dining with a busy calendar of
events, functions and cultural experiences. We are looking for a Head Chef who
can take genuine ownership of the kitchen,
someone who is equally comfortable developing great food, leading a team and managing the
commercial performance of a high-volume operation.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the overall
leadership and performance of the Mary Mae’s kitchen. Working
closely with the venue leadership team and supported by the broader culinary team, you will drive consistency, quality and profitability across the operation while continuing to develop a
food offering that feels relevant to Brisbane and the Mary Mae’s location.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen team
Managing day-to-day kitchen operations and service
Driving menu development with a focus on seasonality, Queensland produce and approachable contemporary Australian food
Maintaining strong food quality, presentation and consistency
Managing food COGS, labour and overall kitchen profitability
Menu costing, portion control, purchasing and stock management
Developing efficient prep, production and service systems
Managing rostering and kitchen labour against forecasted trade
Building strong relationships with suppliers and identifying opportunities to improve quality and value
Maintaining excellent food safety, HACCP and workplace safety standards
Supporting functions, events and high-volume periods at Brisbane Powerhouse
Working collaboratively with FOH, venue management and the wider culinary leadership team
About You
We are looking for a chef who combines strong culinary capability with genuine kitchen leadership and commercial discipline.
You will ideally have:
Previous experience as a Head Chef or experienced Senior Sous Chef ready to step up
Experience in a high-volume restaurant, café, events or multi-faceted hospitality operation
Strong understanding of food cost, labour management, purchasing and kitchen P&L
Excellent organisational and kitchen management skills
A contemporary approach to Australian food and seasonal produce
Strong menu development and recipe-costing capability
The ability to recruit, train, mentor and retain a strong kitchen team
A calm, organised and solutions-focused approach during busy services
High standards around food safety, cleanliness and kitchen organisation
A willingness to be hands-on and present in the kitchen
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who wants to take ownership of the venue.
This isn't a role for someone who simply wants to maintain an existing operation. We want a chef who can identify opportunities, improve systems, develop their people and continue moving the food offering forward.
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to lead the kitchen of a unique Brisbane venue with the support and resources of Trippas White Group.
You will have the opportunity to:
Put your own influence on the future direction of Mary Mae’s food offering Work with quality local and Australian produce
Lead and develop your own kitchen team
Work across restaurant dining, events and functions
Receive support from an experienced broader culinary and operational team Access career development opportunities across a diverse national hospitality portfolio
Ready to Lead Mary Mae’s?
If you're a chef who takes pride in great food, strong teams and well-run kitchens, we'd like to hear from you.
Full Time
Job no: 2026-0643
Location: Mary Mae's
Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026