At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create bold menus, and pair food with craft beer.
- Company: Join Modus, an award-winning craft brewery in Newcastle.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff discounts, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Work in a modern venue close to the beach with a community vibe.
- Why this job: Take creative ownership in a standout venue and make an impact.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as Head Chef or strong Sous Chef, with trade qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 57200 $ per year.
- Merewether, New South Wales 2291, Australia
- Full-time Permanent Mid-level Senior
- Posted 29 Sep 2026
- Description
About the role
We're looking for a Head Chef to take ownership of the Modus kitchen and lift our food to the same level as our beer.
Our menu is elevated pub food with a fresh Mexican influence and a love of good seafood.
It's bold, generous food built to be eaten with a cold beer.
You'll lead the kitchen team, shape the menu, run a tight and profitable operation, and deliver consistently great food across busy à la carte service, functions and events.
Key responsibilities
- Lead, develop and write menus that reflect the Modus style, including seasonal specials and dishes designed to pair with our core range and limited releases.
- Collaborate with the brewing team on beer-and-food pairings for masterclasses, tap takeovers, release days and events.
- Run high-volume service with consistency, speed and quality, from a packed Saturday lunch to a 300-person function.
- Plan and execute function and event menus, including canapés, grazing, banquets and set menus, working closely with the events team.
- Recruit, train and mentor a kitchen brigade of sous chefs, CDPs, commis, apprentices and kitchen hands, and build a positive, respectful kitchen culture.
- Manage food costs, GP targets, ordering, stock control and wastage, and prepare regular reporting for management.
- Build rosters and manage kitchen labour to budget.
- Source from local and sustainable suppliers wherever possible, in line with Modus values.
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and WHS, including the food safety program, allergen management and council compliance.
- Look after kitchen equipment and maintenance, and keep the kitchen clean, organised and running efficiently.
About you
- At least 3+ years of experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef in a high-volume venue, ideally a pub, brewery, bistro or large-format restaurant.
- Trade qualifications (Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent).
- Food Safety Supervisor certification (NSW).
- Strong understanding of Mexican flavours and techniques, seafood handling, or both.
- Proven ability to manage food cost, GP and labour, with confidence in the numbers.
- A calm, organised leadership style and a genuine commitment to developing your team.
- Curiosity about craft beer and how it works with food.
- Availability across weekends, evenings and public holidays as the roster requires.
About us
Modus is an independent, award-winning craft brewery that started on Sydney's Northern Beaches and now calls Newcastle home.
Our Merewether venue sits alongside a fully operational brewery.
It seats up to 300 guests and pours brewery-fresh beer from 36 taps, from hazy IPAs and lagers to sours, stouts and our non-alcoholic NORT range.
Sustainability and community drive everything we do, from our 100% green-energy venue to the local producers and clubs we support.
- Take creative ownership of the menu in one of Newcastle's standout venues.
- Get a competitive salary with real input into the direction of the business.
- Work with an independent brewery team that loves collaborating across brewing, bar and kitchen.
- Enjoy staff discounts on food, beer and merch, plus a shift drink.
- Work in a modern, sustainably built venue a short walk from the beach.
- Join a tight-knit, community-minded crew.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Chef in Newcastle employer: M.O.Brewing Co Pty Ltd
Join Modus Merewether, an independent brewery that champions creativity and community, as a Venue Lead. With competitive pay, opportunities for career progression, and a vibrant work culture, you'll thrive in a supportive environment that values your passion for craft beer. Enjoy staff discounts, participate in brewery tours, and be part of a close-knit team just moments from the beach, making every shift a rewarding experience.
