Sous Chef

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge; Beechmont; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts on accommodation,d`

Full-time position

Job summary

Binna Burra Lodge invites an experienced Sous Chef to join our culinary team as we launch our new Lodge and dining facilities. You will work closely with the Head Chef, leading a busy kitchen across à la carte dining, Teahouse Café, and events while delivering memorable guest experiences.

We value hands-on leadership, a passion for fresh, seasonal, locally sourced produce, and the ability to mentor staff and manage labour efficiently.

Qualifications

• A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Experience as a Sous Chef or Chef de Partie ready to progress.
• Strong culinary skills with quality à la carte dining experience.
• Experience across multiple hospitality outlets, functions or events.
• Understanding of kitchen operations, food costing, stock and labour efficiency.
• Solid knowledge of food safety, hygiene and WHS requirements.
• Proven ability to supervise, motivate and develop kitchen staff.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Hands-on leadership style with lead-by-example approach.
• Flexibility to work seven-day roster, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef with daily operation and supervision of kitchen areas.
• Lead kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality meals across à la carte, café, weddings and events.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, quality and portion control.
• Assist with menu development and seasonal specials.
• Support use of fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
• Supervise, train and mentor chefs and kitchen staff.
• Assist with rostering, workforce planning and labour cost management.
• Monitor food costs, stock control and wastage.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and WHS requirements.

Skills

Sous Chef leadership

Cuisine & à la carte

Food safety & WHS

Menu development

Stock management

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Join Our Culinary Team at Binna Burra Lodge!

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join the culinary team at Binna Burra Lodge as we enter a new chapter with the opening of our new Lodge and dining facilities.

Surrounded by the spectacular rainforest of Lamington National Park, Binna Burra Lodge is an iconic Queensland tourism destination with over 90 years of history.

We are seeking a motivated, hands-on Sous Chef who takes pride in producing exceptional food, leading a team and delivering memorable dining experiences.

Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play an important leadership role across our new Lodge à la carte restaurant, Teahouse Café, weddings, conferences, functions and special events.

This is an opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our culinary offering, showcasing fresh, seasonal and locally sourced Scenic Rim produce.

About the Role

As Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in the daily management of kitchen operations, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, efficiency and profitability.

You will be a confident and capable leader who enjoys being actively involved in service, supporting and developing employees, and maintaining a positive and productive kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef with the daily operation and supervision of all kitchen areas.
• Lead kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality meals across à la carte dining, café service, weddings, conferences and events.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food presentation, quality and portion control.
• Assist with menu development, seasonal specials and creative food offerings.
• Support the use of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
• Supervise, train and mentor chefs, apprentices and kitchen employees.
• Assist with kitchen rostering, workforce planning and labour cost management.
• Monitor food costs, stock control, ordering, wastage and kitchen profitability.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation, hygiene standards and workplace health and safety requirements.
• Maintain excellent kitchen cleanliness, organisation and equipment standards.
• Work collaboratively with the Food & Beverage team to ensure efficient service and positive guest experiences.
• Contribute to a professional, supportive and accountable kitchen culture.

What We're Looking For

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Demonstrated experience as a Sous Chef or experienced Chef de Partie ready to progress.
• Strong culinary skills and experience in quality à la carte dining.
• Experience across multiple hospitality outlets, functions or events highly regarded.
• Sound understanding of kitchen operations, food costing, stock management and labour efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and WHS requirements.
• Proven ability to supervise, motivate and develop kitchen employees.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Creativity, attention to detail and a genuine passion for quality food.
• A hands-on leadership style and willingness to lead by example.
• Flexibility to work a seven-day roster, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

For the right candidate, employer sponsorship will be considered, subject to eligibility and applicable visa requirements.

Why Join Binna Burra Lodge?

• Be part of the exciting opening and development of our new Lodge and restaurant facilities.
• Work across a diverse culinary offering, including à la carte dining, café service, weddings and events.
• Showcase quality seasonal produce from the Scenic Rim and surrounding regions.
• Enjoy a unique workplace surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest.
• Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Access employee discounts on selected accommodation, dining and resort experiences.
• Enjoy the stability of a full-time position within an established Queensland tourism destination.

About Binna Burra Lodge

Binna Burra Lodge is one of Queensland's most iconic nature-based tourism destinations, offering accommodation, dining, weddings, conferences and memorable rainforest experiences.

With a proud history spanning more than 90 years, our team is committed to delivering exceptional hospitality while protecting and celebrating our unique natural environment.

Our mission is "To be a meaningful connection between nature and heritage."

Location & Availability

Binna Burra Lodge is located at Beechmont in the Gold Coast Hinterland, approximately 30 minutes from Canungra and 45 minutes from Nerang.

Applicants must have reliable transport, as public transport is not available. Free onsite parking is provided. Staff accommodation is not available.

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you are a passionate and experienced chef looking for your next leadership opportunity, we would love to hear from you.