Sous Chef

View From Above; Daylesford; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Work-life balance

Competitive salary

Leadership mentorship

Job summary

The Farmers Arms Hotel Daylesford is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to join our iconic regional venue. You will act as second-in-command, lead a small kitchen team, and help maintain high standards across service.

With a focus on seasonal local produce, mentorship, and strong organisational skills, you will balance culinary craft, operations, and cost controls while upholding food safety. We offer a 4-day roster, early finishes, and staff meals.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong team management and mentorship skills.
• Solid stock management, ordering, and rostering experience.
• Commitment to high-quality cooking and seasonal produce.
• Willingness to obtain a National Police Check on request.

Responsibilities

• Lead from the pass during high-volume services to ensure taste and presentation.
• Direct and mentor a small kitchen team to maintain a positive culture.
• Oversee ordering, stock control, and rostering to protect GP margins.
• Contribute creative ideas aligned with our Classic European Country Cottage style.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Mentorship

Stock management

Quality control

Problem-solving

Job description

Are you a cool-headed culinary leader looking to step into a key leadership role at an iconic regional venue? The Farmers Arms Hotel Daylesford is seeking a passionate, reliable Sous Chef to help lead our close-knit kitchen team and drive exceptional standards.

Situated in the heart of beautiful Daylesford, The Farmers Arms has been a beloved local landmark for over 168 years. Known for our welcoming atmosphere and exceptional dining, we offer the perfect balance of a vibrant regional food scene and a rewarding lifestyle in the Victorian countryside.

If you thrive under pressure, possess a mentorship-led leadership style, and bring a passion for seasonal local produce and high-quality cooking, this is the position for you.

What We Offer

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 3 days off every week with a flexible 4-day working roster to cover our 7-day operation.

• Competitive Salary: $75,000 – $80,000 per annum (commensurate with experience).

• Great Hours: Most evening shifts finish by 9 PM–10 PM—no ultra-late finishes!

• Perks: Free delicious staff meals provided on shift.

• Leadership: Work directly alongside our Head Chef in a highly structured, well-established venue with genuine room to innovate and mentor.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you will act as second-in-command and the primary authority in the absence of the Head Chef. You will balance culinary craft, operational planning, and team leadership to keep the kitchen smooth, safe, and profitable.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Service & Quality Control: Lead from the pass during high-volume services; supervise all plates leaving the kitchen to ensure uncompromised taste and presentation.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Direct, motivate, and mentor a team of 4 chefs plus kitchen hands, fostering a positive kitchen culture and high team morale.

• Kitchen Admin & Operations: Oversee ordering systems, stock management, and staff rostering; control food waste and labour efficiency to protect GP margins.

• Culinary Innovation: Contribute creative ideas and weekly practice aligned with our Classic European Country Cottage aesthetic, highlighting local seasonal produce.

• Food Safety & Hygiene: Oversee compliance with Australian Food Safety standards, maintaining strict kitchen cleanliness and par-level prep organization.

What We're Looking For

• Leadership & Temperament: Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef in a fast-paced kitchen; cool-headed under pressure with a proactive problem-solving mindset.

• Operational Skills: Confident in managing stock, supplier ordering lists, par levels, and rosters to hit labor and food cost targets.

• Culinary Passion: Solid technique and a love for local seasonal ingredients and classic pub dining elevated to high standards.

• Flexibility & Availability: Must be available to work weekends and public holidays, with flexibility across a 7-day roster.

• Requirements: Willingness to provide a National Police Check upon request.

Important Application Information

• Working Rights: Candidates must hold full, unrestricted Australian working rights. Please explicitly confirm this in your application.

• Sponsorship: Unfortunately, we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role.

• Location: If applying from outside the Daylesford area, please confirm in your cover letter that you are aware of our regional location.

• Process: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.