Chef

Sancho New Mexican Bar and Grill Pty Ltd, trading as Sancho Taqueria & Tequileria, operates a New Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar in Stafford, Queensland. The restaurant specialises in dishes influenced by the culinary traditions of New Mexico and Mexico, offering tacos, slow-cooked meats, grilled dishes, house-made salsas, vegetable preparations and traditional desserts. Its menu features dishes such as pork carnitas, beef brisket tacos, grilled chicken, roasted pumpkin mole and sopaipillas, with an emphasis on distinctive flavours, fresh ingredients and carefully prepared meals.

About the Role

Sancho Taqueria & Tequileria is seeking an experienced Chef to join its kitchen team. The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and organising food preparation, preparing and cooking New Mexican-inspired dishes, maintaining food quality and coordinating kitchen activities to support the restaurant's lunch and dinner services.

The position also involves contributing to menu planning, monitoring ingredient requirements and food costs, and guiding kitchen staff in the preparation and presentation of dishes according to the restaurant's established culinary standards.

Location: 1/240 Stafford Central, Stafford QLD 4053

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 per annum plus Superannuation

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a range of New Mexican-inspired dishes, including tacos, slow-cooked pork carnitas, beef brisket, grilled chicken, vegetable-based dishes and traditional accompaniments in accordance with established recipes.
• Plan and organise daily food preparation, including the preparation of marinades, red and green chilli salsas, mole, slow-cooked fillings, vegetable components and other ingredients required for restaurant service.
• Monitor the quality, flavour, seasoning, texture, cooking consistency and presentation of dishes to maintain the restaurant's culinary standards.
• Inspect fresh produce, meats, seafood, chillies, herbs, spices and other ingredients to ensure their quality and suitability for food preparation.
• Contribute to menu planning, seasonal specials and improvements to existing dishes, considering New Mexican cooking traditions, ingredient availability, customer preferences and food costs.
• Estimate food quantities and associated preparation requirements, assist with ingredient costing and ordering, and control kitchen wastage through effective preparation and stock management.
• Coordinate food preparation and cooking across grill, slow-cooking, taco assembly and other kitchen activities to ensure dishes are completed efficiently during service.
• Demonstrate cooking techniques and guide kitchen staff in the preparation of salsas, marinades, slow-cooked meats, grilled dishes and traditional accompaniments.
• Liaise with restaurant management and front-of-house staff regarding menu requirements, dietary requests, meal preparation and service timing.
• Monitor ingredient storage, stock rotation, refrigeration and temperature-control procedures to maintain food quality and minimise spoilage.
• Explain and enforce food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements throughout kitchen operations.
• Review food preparation procedures and identify practical improvements to kitchen workflow, cooking consistency and service efficiency.

Candidate Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Commercial Cookery, Hospitality or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 1–2 years of relevant experience as a Chef in a commercial restaurant kitchen.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and cooking Mexican, New Mexican, Latin American or similar restaurant cuisine will be highly regarded.
• Strong knowledge of commercial cooking techniques, including grilling, slow cooking, braising, sauce preparation and food presentation.
• Ability to plan and organise food preparation activities and coordinate kitchen operations during busy service periods.
• Experience in menu planning, food costing, ingredient estimation, stock control and minimising kitchen wastage.
• Ability to maintain consistent food quality, flavour and presentation while following established recipes and preparation standards.
• Ability to demonstrate cooking techniques and provide practical guidance to kitchen staff.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene and safe food-handling practices.
• Strong organisational, communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy restaurant kitchen, including evenings and weekends.
• Only candidates currently residing in Australia will be shortlisted.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume outlining your relevant qualifications, experience and suitability for the position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.