Head Chef - Balaclava Hotel

About the Role Head Chef | Balaclava Hotel

We’re searching for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at the Balaclava Hotel – the beating heart of our local community and the place where pub classics meet plates locals can’t get enough of.

The Balaclava Hotel in Earlville is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead our Graziers Steakhouse. As the gateway to the Cairns coast, we pride ourselves on delivering a high‑volume, "paddock‑to‑plate" dining experience with a heavy focus on sustainably sourced, char‑grilled prime steaks and North Queensland produce. We are looking for a culinary leader who can manage a fast‑paced kitchen, maintain rigorous standards for our bistro and sports bar menus, and foster a team culture that keeps our local families and travelers coming back.

If you are a steak specialist ready to put the best of the region on every plate, apply today!

• Command the kitchen like it’s your own, keeping it running smooth, safe, and profitable
• Be a key part of the leadership crew, working closely with the Publican and FOH team
• Share your passion, skills, and creativity to grow a high‑performing kitchen team
• Keep the connection between the kitchen and front of house flowing with good vibes and great food every shift

• This is a hands‑on role that involves manual handling and lifting as part of regular duties (e.g. moving stock, kegs, and deliveries). Applicants must have the ability to perform physical tasks safely and efficiently.

• You’ve got the experience, confidence, and pride to own the kitchen and make it shine
• You’ve got trade cooking qualifications and food safety certifications sorted
• You live and breathe the Head Chef life – creating food people talk about and coming in each day ready to lead

If you’re ready to put your stamp on a kitchen locals love, let’s talk.

Grow your career within ALH Hotels and the wider Endeavour Group network. An exclusive discount card for ALH Hotels, BWS, Dan Murphy’s and other Endeavour Group brands, not to mention discounts from Woolworths and Big W. Endeavour Wellbeing Support; our EAP service offers critical incident support, career, conflict, nutrition and lifestyle, money, family, legal and employee assistance.

In line with our ongoing commitment to responsibility, candidates will be required to complete Employee Due Diligence checks which may include a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process.