Campus Culinary Lead: Multi-Venue, High-Volume Chef

USU; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 76,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily meal allowance

USU Rewards membership

Culinary team development

Work across multiple venues

Inclusive campus environment

Job summary

USU is seeking an experienced Senior Sous Chef to lead kitchens across multiple venues and major campus events. You will coach teams, ensure top-tier food quality, and maintain HACCP and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

Join us to develop menus, optimize rosters, and manage costs while working with a passionate culinary team at Sydney’s historic, campus-wide operations.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership across multiple kitchens and venues.
• Ensure HACCP, food safety, and high-quality food standards.
• Maintain rosters, ordering, stock control and labour costs.
• Contribute to menu development and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchens across multiple venues and major events.
• Coach and develop Sous Chefs and kitchen teams.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, HACCP and food safety compliance.
• Manage rosters, ordering, stock control, labour and food costs.
• Contribute to menu development and drive continuous improvement across kitchen operations.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety

HACCP

Cost Control

Menu Development

Education

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

NSW Driver Licence

Job description

• Lead kitchen teams across multiple venues and major campus events
• Develop and mentor chefs in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Enjoy a daily $15 meal allowance, USU discounts and Rewards membership

WHO WE ARE
We are Australia's largest and oldest Student Union. We are all about creating an exceptional campus experience for students.
As the primary provider of food and beverage on campus, we operate a diverse range of cafés, quick-service outlets, catered events, bars, our own Food Truck and Coffee Van. No two days are the same.

WHO YOU ARE
We are looking for an experienced Senior Sous Chef who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume catering environment and is comfortable working at pace while maintaining consistently high standards.
You are a confident people leader with strong operational and catering experience and a passion for producing exceptional food. You enjoy developing others, managing multiple priorities and keeping kitchen operations running efficiently during busy service periods and large-scale events.
Working closely with the Executive Chef and Head Chef, you'll help lead teams across multiple venues, support major campus events and contribute to the ongoing development of one of Sydney's most unique hospitality operations.


WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Support the Executive Chef and Head Chef in leading kitchens across multiple venues and major events.
• Lead, coach and develop Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties and kitchen teams.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, HACCP and food safety compliance.
• Manage rosters, ordering, stock control, labour and food costs.
• Contribute to menu development and drive continuous improvement across kitchen operations.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Support the Executive Chef and Head Chef in leading kitchens across multiple venues and major events.
• Lead, coach and develop Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties and kitchen teams.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, HACCP and food safety compliance.
• Manage rosters, ordering, stock control, labour and food costs.
• Contribute to menu development and drive continuous improvement across kitchen operations.

A current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain) and NSW Driver Licence are also required.
Experience across multiple venues, large-scale events and menu development will be highly regarded.


THE PERKS

• Daily $15 meal allowance and USU-wide discounts.
• Free USU Rewards membership from commencement.
• Lead and develop a passionate and experienced culinary team.
• Work across cafés, outlets and major campus events.
• Be part of a unique, inclusive and diverse campus environment.

THE PAY
Approximately $89,000 per annum + 12% Superannuation.


HOURS OF WORK
This is a permanent full-time position working 38 hours per week on a rotating roster, Monday to Sunday, including weekends, evenings and major campus events as required.


IDEAL START DATE
As soon as possible.


HOW TO APPLY
You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.

Scroll down and complete our online application form below.

Attach your resume. Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume.

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ABOUT THE USU
TheUSU(University of Sydney Union) is proudly Australia’s oldest and largest not-for-profit student organisation, dedicated to providing students with the best possible university experience.
Led by a student board elected by our members, the USU provides fun things on campus, such asfestivals, events and parties. We manage a diverse range of programs, including an activevolunteering programand aLanguage Exchange, to name a few. In addition, we support over 200Clubs and Societiesas well as operatebars, food and retail outlets across campus, providing great coffee, affordable fresh food,graduation gown hireandofficialUSYD merchandise.

We arecommitted to promoting a workplace of equal opportunities. Wepromote healthy living and aims to protect the health and safety of staff, members and visitors to the University by providing a Smoke-Free Workplace. We do not accept unsolicited agency applications.
USU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all walks of life. Help make us better by joining our team.
Due to the volume of applications received, shortlisted applicants will be contacted within approximately 4 weeks of the role’s closing date (or 4 weeks from the date of application if there is no specified closing date).

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