Sous Chef

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 iconic Esplanade Hotel (The Espy) is one of St Kilda's best-known venues, with a long history as a Melbourne live music and hospitality institution. Sitting right on the St Kilda foreshore, The Espy brings together multiple bars, dining spaces, live entertainment and a high-volume kitchen operation that comes alive across weekends, events and the warmer months.

We're looking for an experienced Sous Chef to join the kitchen leadership team and help run day-to-day kitchen operations across a busy, seasonal venue.

This is a role for someone who is confident leading a team, knows how to keep a kitchen moving during a big service and can stay calm, focused and professional when the pressure is on.

What you'll be doing

• 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, particularly during peak periods
• Maintain high standards of food preparation, quality, presentation and food safety
• Make quick, practical decisions when service becomes challenging
• Communicate clearly and positively with the kitchen and wider venue team
• Support the development of junior chefs and help build a positive kitchen culture
• Manage kitchen organisation, stock control and preparation
• Adapt kitchen operations and staffing to seasonal demand and changing trade
• Work closely with the Head Chef to maintain standards and deliver a consistent operation

What we're looking for

We're looking for a calm, capable and experienced Sous Chef who is comfortable taking ownership of a busy kitchen.

You'll bring:

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and food safety
• The ability to remain calm, focused and professional under pressure
• Confidence leading a team in a high-volume environment
• Strong communication and people-management skills
• A practical, hands-on approach to service
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail
• A genuine interest in developing junior chefs and creating a positive kitchen culture
• The ability to adapt to a seasonal, fast-paced venue
• Access to 250+ venues across Australia with generous staff discounts
• Career progression and development opportunities across AVC
• Opportunities to relocate or move between venues as your career develops
• A supportive team environment with experienced hospitality leaders
• Be part of one of Melbourne's most iconic hospitality and live entertainment venues