Lead Sous Chef — High-Volume Kitchen, Career Growth

Australian Venue Co.; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts at 250+ AVC venues

Career progression across AVC venues

Relocation opportunities within AVC

Job summary

The Esplanade Hotel (The Espy) in St Kilda, Melbourne, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our kitchen leadership team. You will help run day-to-day operations across a busy, seasonal venue and lead a team through high-volume services.

We value calm, capable leadership under pressure, strong food safety knowledge and a hands-on approach. This is a full-time role within Australian Venue Co.'s iconic Melbourne venue network.

Qualifications

• Experience in a sous chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and food safety standards.
• Ability to stay calm and professional under pressure.
• Confident leadership in a high-volume kitchen.
• Excellent communication and people-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Take a hands-on leadership role across day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Lead and support the kitchen team through busy, high-volume services.
• Keep service organised, efficient and consistent during peak periods.
• Maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation and safety.
• Make quick, practical decisions when service is challenging.
• Communicate clearly with the kitchen and wider venue team.
• Support development of junior chefs and build a positive kitchen culture.
• Manage kitchen organisation, stock control and preparation.
• Adapt operations and staffing to seasonal demand and trade changes.
• Work with Head Chef to maintain standards and deliver a consistent operation.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen operations

Food safety

Communication

People management

Hands-on

Organisation

Developing junior chefs

Adaptability

Seasonal/fast-paced environment

Job description

The Esplanade Hotel (The Espy) in St Kilda, Melbourne, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our kitchen leadership team. You will help run day-to-day operations across a busy, seasonal venue and lead a team through high-volume services.

We value calm, capable leadership under pressure, strong food safety knowledge and a hands-on approach. This is a full-time role within Australian Venue Co.'s iconic Melbourne venue network.