Head Chef

About the role

Mercy Food Services are excited to offer an opportunity to join our team at Mater Rockhampton as the Head Chef in a permanent full-time role, 38 hours per week.

Reporting to the Corporate Chef, this key role involves delivering safe, nutritious, and high-quality food to all customers while meeting tasks and deadlines within the required timeframes. 

Salary range: $42.64 - $46.95 per hour plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900  + access to many staff benefits! 

What you’ll be doing

• Oversee the supervision of chefs, cooks and food services assistants in the production of high-quality food product
• Ensure temperature controls and paperwork in supporting the requirements of the Food Safety plan are accurately completed to ensure compliance to internal and external audit requirements
• Manage and assist in the preparation and packaging of hot and cold products as per standard recipes for distribution to customers
• Plan and conduct meetings with staff to ensure compliance with practises and policies and to keep employees abreast of current changes and standards, train new personnel in proper procedures
• Leadership to the Food Service operations team, including rostering, scheduling and workplace health and safety for staff

About you

• Experience in a comparable position in a large commercial application for a minimum of five (5) years
• Demonstrated experience with HACCP, Workplace Health and Safety and quality principles
• Knowledge of Allergens, PEAL Labelling laws and application of both in a health setting.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage financial KPI’s (including wage targets and food cost) and stock controls
• Proficient in the application of computerised information systems and applications including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to develop, read, follow and understand recipes, recipe methods, procedures and product being utilised for production
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, and at Rockhampton, we keep things personal and local. Here, we are a community-based hospital, and it’s our people who make the difference.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help shape the future of care. At Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, you’ll be part of a tight-knit and purpose-driven organisation that values innovation, compassion, and excellence.

• Increase your take-home pay with generous salary packaging options, including meal and entertainment benefits
• Grow your career with access to industry-leading training and professional development through Mater Education
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program and on-site pastoral care teams
• Access a range of health and wellbeing services with a corporate discount on private health insurance
• Exclusive discounts across dining, retail, travel, accommodation (just to name a few!)
• Stay active with unlimited access to discounted gyms via the Fitness Passport program
• Join Queensland’s Largest and Most Innovative Not-for-Profit Healthcare Team

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #MAKEYOURMATERMOVE

For more information specific to the role, please view the PD here –  Mater Health PD Head Chef MFS - 2024.pdf

Applications close on Friday 13th March 2026. Please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW!

Mater is committed to the wellbeing of their staff, and it is underpinned by our flexible and remote working policies.

Please Note: We will not require any support from Recruitment Agencies at this time and kindly request no contact is made. Only direct applications will be considered.

Mater Group is dedicated to creating a workplace that values diversity and inclusion. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates.

For more information regarding Reconciliation at Mater, please visit our Reconciliation webpage. Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.