Crystalbrook Flynn is a social butterfly - the natural life of the party. Just steps from the Esplanade boardwalk it is at the centre of the action. Crystalbrook Flynn features 311 stylish rooms and suites and three of the hottest restaurants and bars in town! Add to this two glass swimming pools, conference and event spaces, Eleme Day Spa and a 24-hour fitness centre, it is an inspiring and invigorating Hotel full of energy and innovation.

Bringing a little bit of Italy to the tropics, Flynn’s Italian is Crystalbrook Collection’s signature Italian restaurant in Cairns. The sophisticated yet playful menu pays homage to the best of the region’s seasonal produce and speaks to the rich local history of Italian immigrants and the surrounding farmland. All about beautiful communal dining experiences, Flynn’s Italian is loud and fun, with an inviting vibe that is quintessentially Italian.

Why this role matters:

As our Head Chef, you will bring to life the magic of locally inspired, sustainably minded cuisine. Leading from the front, you'll guide the day to day and strategic direction of the kitchen, balancing creative flair with operational excellence. You'll manage food and labour costs, uphold safety and quality standard and mentor your team to deliver wonder-filled culinary experiences that excite our guests and elevate our brand.

You will:

• Report to the Executive Chef and oversee kitchen operations across our outlets
• Work collaboratively to design seasonal menus that are fresh, local and delightfully unexpected
• Foster and lead an inclusive, ambitious and high-performing kitchen structure.
• Develop and manage kitchen budgets
• Ensure kitchen hygiene and maintain relevant compliance
• Interact with guests to enhance the experience, gather feedback and elevate hospitality moments
• Propose ideas, enhancements and efficiencies to remain ahead of trends and guest expectation

What sets you apart:

You are a creative and ambitious culinary leader, seeking a culture where you can refine your craft and inspire others through clarity, collaboration and bold ambition. To be successful you will demonstrate:

• Experience in leading high performing teams in dynamic, high volume environments
• Expertise in food cost management, labor optimisation and kitchen operations
• A Commercial Cookery Qualification (Cert III and IV)
• A hands-on, empowering leadership style that builds capability and fosters collaboration
• A deep passion for culinary trends, local produce and sustainable practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to inspire your team and engage with guests
• Confident knowledge of kitchen systems and business software tools
• Composed leadership in high-pressure service environments, delivering solutions and inspiring others to embody a culture of excellence

Our benefits include:

You will work with exceptional people in a supportive, diverse and passionate environment and this is a vital position within our team at Crystalbrook Flynn. You will enjoy a flexible range of benefits that include:

• A market leading 50% F&B discount across all Venues
• $99 Room rates and a generous friends and family discount
• Lifestyle benefits including extra leave and earth advocacy days
• Green future - we are committed to enhanced sustainability practices
• Dedicated Internal Mobility Programme and reward scheme
• Online learning, career enhancement and development plans
• Personalised employee support network
• Regular service recognition and team events
• Relocation support

Crystalbrook Collection is an award-winning hotel development and management company, proudly showcasing Australia's newest portfolio of distinctive upscale hotels, restaurants and bars where differences are applauded. In just six years, we own and manage luxury hotel assets worth over AU$1 billion across NSW and QLD. Our growth trajectory continues with exciting plans for new hotels in Adelaide and Canberra, along with ambitions for further expansion both in Australia and Internationally.

Our environment is dynamic and entrepreneurial, we are focused on crafting exceptional customer experiences that reflect the individuality of people within each of our locations. We are passionate advocates for equality and diversity and welcome individuals to apply through the link provided - we look forward to hearing from you!