Senior Sous Chef — Lead & Develop Coastal European Kitchen

Merivale; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount 25% across Merivale Ven

Merivale Staff Cellar

Paid parental leave

Unlimited career growth

Merivale Academy training

Leadership development

Employee Assistance Program

Employee referrals

Job summary

Merivale’s Bert’s Bar & Brasserie in Sydney seeks a Senior Sous Chef to lead daily kitchen operations, collaborate with the Head Chef on menu development, and drive consistency in prep and service. Join a 2-hatted venue renowned for premium seafood, whole fish, and coastal European dishes.

Lead a hands-on, high-performing kitchen team, oversee food safety, and mentor chefs across shifts, with opportunities for broader responsibilities based on performance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or above in a high-end or hatted restaurant.
• A passion for seasonal produce, coastal European cooking and exceptional ingredients.
• Strong technical skills across premium seafood, shellfish, whole fish and quality meats.
• Experience cooking over charcoal and working with grills.
• A hands-on leadership style that inspires the team and develops the chefs around you.
• Confidence managing kitchen workflows, mise en place and service under pressure.
• Sound commercial judgement across rostering, stock management and food costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations in collaboration with Head Chef.
• Contribute to menu development and maintain consistency across prep and service.
• Drive team development and lead by example in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

High-end restaurant

Seasonal produce

Coastal European cooking

Charcoal grilling

People leadership

Food safety & hygiene

Job description

Merivale’s Bert’s Bar & Brasserie in Sydney seeks a Senior Sous Chef to lead daily kitchen operations, collaborate with the Head Chef on menu development, and drive consistency in prep and service. Join a 2-hatted venue renowned for premium seafood, whole fish, and coastal European dishes.

Lead a hands-on, high-performing kitchen team, oversee food safety, and mentor chefs across shifts, with opportunities for broader responsibilities based on performance.