Malaysian Indian Chef

About Us:Punjabi Palace Brisbane (South Bank) is the flagship base of our growing hospitality brand operating under Smart Resources QLD Pty Ltd. Known for delivering authentic North Indian cuisine with rich flavours and family-style service, we are expanding into Malaysian–South Indian fusion across regional Queensland, starting with Punjabi Palace Cairns.Our brand takes pride in cultural authenticity, staff development, and culinary innovation. We now seek a skilled Malaysian Indian Chef who will lead the kitchen in Cairns and be part of our long-term regional and franchise growth.Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design and execute a menu focused on Malaysian and South Indian classics, e.g. Roti Canai, Sambal Fish, Chicken 65, Dosa, Nasi Kandar, Fish Head Curry, etc.
• Lead daily kitchen operations: food prep, service, quality control, plating, and waste reduction
• Apply traditional Malaysian cooking techniques while also integrating modern fusion
• Monitor and maintain inventory, food costs, ordering, and supplier relationships (especially for Malaysian spices and specialty items)
• Ensure adherence to Queensland Health Regulations, Food Safety Plans, and HACCP practices
• Train junior chefs and kitchen staff in both traditional methods and OH&S
• Design promotional menus for events like Diwali, Deepavali, Eid, or multicultural community functions
• Work collaboratively with the executive team and Brisbane head office on reporting, budgeting, and menu evolution

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 3 years as a chef specialising in Malaysian or South Indian cuisine
• Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery (preferred) or relevant culinary experience
• Deep knowledge of Malaysian flavours: curry pastes, sambal, charcoal/grill fusion, banana leaf plating, rice/noodle techniques
• Familiarity with Australian kitchen compliance (temperature logs, food handling, cleaning)
• Strong command of kitchen budgeting, food margins, and team supervision
• English proficiency (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent for international applicants)
• Desirable: knowledge of Hindi, Tamil, Malay, or Telugu

Employment Terms & Entitlements:This role is offered in accordance with the Hospitality Industry General Award [MA000009] and the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

• Employment Type: Full-Time (38+ hrs/week)
• Annual Salary Range: AUD $65,000–$75,000 + 11.5% Superannuation
• Sponsorship Available: Yes (Subclass 482 Visa, with Employer Nomination Scheme pathway)
• Leave Entitlements:
  • 4 weeks annual leave
  • 10 days personal/career's leave
  • Public holidays as per QLD schedule
• Penalty Rates & Overtime: Paid as per award conditions
• Superannuation: Paid quarterly as per ATO guidelines

Key Benefits & Support:✅ Visa sponsorship including employment contract, nomination, and relocation help
✅ Accommodation assistance upon arrival
✅ Meals on shift
✅ Professional development & menu experimentation freedom
✅ Opportunity to grow into Head Chef or Area Chef roles across our expanding outlets
✅ Support from Brisbane Head Office (South Bank) for admin, payroll, and supplier management
✅ Inclusive and multicultural work environment under Smart Resources QLD
✅ Family visa options (if eligible), and children schooling guidanceAbout the Employer – Smart Resources QLD Pty LtdSmart Resources QLD owns and operates multiple business divisions across hospitality, trade, tourism, and education. Punjabi Palace Brisbane (South Bank) is the company’s central base for food and beverage operations, and the Cairns outlet is its first regional expansion under the same banner.