Sous Chef

Eighteen Fifty & Co.; Clare and Gilbert Valleys; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Eighteen Fifty & Co. is seeking a skilled Sous Chef to join our Clare Valley team, overseeing Skillogalee Estate and The Rising Sun Hotel. You will work under the Head Chef to lead day-to-day kitchen operations and uphold high culinary standards across refined regional dining, weddings, events, and pub fare.

You will mentor junior chefs, manage menus with seasonal ingredients, and ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in a dynamic kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar role in a busy kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills with the ability to motivate staff.
• Creative approach to menu development and seasonal ingredients.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Commitment to high culinary standards and guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in preparation, cooking, and presentation of dishes.
• Manage kitchen operations in Head Chef's absence.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and organization.
• Supervise kitchen staff, stock management, and mise en place.
• Ensure consistency and quality of all dishes.
• Monitor inventory, order supplies, and manage stock rotation.
• Develop new menu items and refine existing offerings using seasonal, local ingredients.
• Ensure health, safety and hygiene regulations compliance.
• Train and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Foster a collaborative, motivated kitchen environment.
• Perform other duties as required by Head Chef or Kitchen Manager.

Skills

Sous Chef

Food safety

Leadership

Menu development

Teamwork

Communication

Flexibility

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Sous Chef - Eighteen Fifty & Co. - Clare Valley

Summary:

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Sous Chef to join our team at Eighteen Fifty & Co., overseeing operations at Skillogalee Estate and The Rising Sun Hotel, both located in the stunning Clare Valley. As a Sous Chef, you will play a key role in the day-to-day kitchen operations, supporting the Head Chef in food preparation, maintaining high standards of culinary excellence, and leading the kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences. This role offers the opportunity to work across refined regional dining, weddings, events, and classic regional pub fare.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Head Chef in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of all dishes in a timely and efficient manner.
• Manage and oversee kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and organization within the kitchen at all times.
• Supervise kitchen staff, ensuring the smooth operation of all kitchen functions, including stock management and mise en place.
• Ensure the consistency and quality of all food items prepared.
• Monitor inventory levels, place orders for supplies, and manage stock rotation to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
• Ensure all food preparation meets established standards of quality, including portion sizes and presentation.
• Assist in developing new menu items and refining existing offerings, keeping in mind seasonal and local ingredients.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Assist in the training and development of junior kitchen staff.
• Foster a collaborative, motivated, and positive work environment in the kitchen.
• Perform other duties as required by the Head Chef or Kitchen Manager.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar role within a busy kitchen environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure, managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and support kitchen staff.
• A passion for food and a creative approach to menu development.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, public holidays, and nights as required.
• A commitment to maintaining high culinary standards and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Visa and Working Rights:

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorships. Australian working rights documentation will be requested as part of the application process.

About Us:

Eighteen Fifty & Co. is a growing hospitality group based in the heart of the Clare Valley, operating Skillogalee Estate () and The Rising Sun Hotel (). We are committed to providing an outstanding experience for our guests, focusing on quality, locally sourced ingredients, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Join our team and be part of an exciting opportunity to work across refined regional dining, weddings, events, and classic regional pub fare in one of South Australia's most beautiful regions.