Catering Kitchen Lead for High-Volume Events

Aplenty; Sydney; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Aplenty in Sydney is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in leading daily kitchen operations and event production.

You will supervise kitchen staff, plan prep and production timelines, manage stock within budget, and ensure high standards across menus for on-site and off-site catering. This role demands strong communication under pressure and solid knowledge of food safety, with a proven ability to coordinate multiple events and flawless plating.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years in high-volume catering, events or fast-paced kitchens.
• Experience supervising kitchen teams and delegating production.
• Strong production planning, organisation and time-management skills.
• Clear and confident communicator under pressure.
• Experience interpreting event sheets and coordinating multiple events.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety, stock rotation, ordering, portion control and waste reduction.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in running daily kitchen production.
• Supervise and guide kitchen staff.
• Maintain calm, clear communication during busy periods.
• Ensure workflow efficiency and team alignment.
• Produce prep schedules and forward planning.
• Manage ordering and stock control within budgeted guidelines.
• Maintain accurate production timelines.
• Identify and resolve operational issues early.
• Support high-volume and off-site catering logistics.
• Oversee pack-down and transport preparation to ensure events leave organised and service-ready.
• Maintain food quality and consistency from kitchen through to service.
• Uphold strong attention to detail in plating and presentation.
• Protect Aplenty's high standards across all menus.
• Ensure professional, seamless event delivery.
• Maintain food safety and WHS compliance.
• Ensure kitchen systems and SOPs are followed.
• Monitor quality control across production.

Skills

High-volume catering

Event coordination

Team supervision

Time management

Communication under pressure

Event sheets interpretation

Food safety

Stock control

Job description

Aplenty in Sydney is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in leading daily kitchen operations and event production.

You will supervise kitchen staff, plan prep and production timelines, manage stock within budget, and ensure high standards across menus for on-site and off-site catering. This role demands strong communication under pressure and solid knowledge of food safety, with a proven ability to coordinate multiple events and flawless plating.