Sous Chef

All Things Equal; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time permanent role

Opportunity to lead Hawthorn cafe

Job summary

All Things Equal, a hospitality-based social enterprise in Melbourne, seeks an experienced Sous Chef to support daily kitchen operations for a new Hawthorn cafe. You will help plan and cost seasonal menus, cook the full menu for breakfast and lunch, and uphold exceptional quality while fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace for staff and trainees.

The role offers full-time permanent work five days a week, including at least one weekend day, with opportunities to lead and shape the cafe

Qualifications

• 2+ years hospitality experience in cafe/restaurant
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
• Experience in disability space preferred
• Strong communication and customer focus
• Good time management and multitasking
• First Aid certificate and NDIS Worker Clearance (or willingness to obtain)
• Valid visa and Australian working rights

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and cost seasonal menus with Head Chef
• Prepare and cook full menu for breakfast and lunch
• Maintain high standards of taste, quality and presentation
• Lead kitchen in Head Chef's absence and oversee service
• Source seasonal produce and liaise with suppliers
• Train back-of-house staff and trainees

Skills

Hospitality experience

Strong communication

Time management

Continuous improvement

Work rights

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

All Things Equal is a hospitality based social enterprise providing award-wage employment, training and pathways toward meaningful careers for people with disability. Through our cafés, venues, catering and programs, we operate high-quality hospitality businesses while creating inclusive, supportive and ambitious workplaces.

Our work is grounded in excellence, dignity and the belief that when people are properly supported, they thrive.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We have recently opened a cafe in Hawthorn and are seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support the day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency and service while creating a positive, supportive and meaningful environment for employees and trainees alike.

This will include:

• Work alongside the Head Chef to plan, develop and cost seasonal menus, including trialling new dishes and specials ahead of each changeover
• Prepare and cook the full menu from scratch across breakfast and lunch service
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, taste and presentation across all sections of the kitchen
• Lead the kitchen team in the Head Chef's absence, taking full responsibility for service and food quality
• Source quality seasonal and local produce, manage ordering and liaise with suppliers
• Support and train back-of-house employees and trainees to work confidently and to their best capacity

OUR DREAM CANDIDATE

• 2+ years hospitality experience working in a cafe or restaurant environment.
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).
• Driven by a passion to play a part in changing the way people with disability are included in the workforce - ideally you will have a strong understanding of the disability space and experience in providing individualised support.
• Ability to motivate and mentor individuals all with a set of unique qualities.
• Knowledgeable, compassionate, patient and possesses the attributes of a good teacher and mentor.
• Strong communication skills are a must, with a clear, kind, warm and easy-to-understand style and a genuine customer focus.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to work on multiple tasks.
• Has a continuous improvement mindset and openly seeks and accepts feedback as an opportunity for personal growth and improvement.
• A current First Aid certificate and NDIS Worker Clearance (or willing to obtain)
• Must have valid Visa and Australian working rights

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING

• A full-time, permanent role (5 days per week, including a minimum of one weekend day).
• The exciting opportunity to lead and shape the operations of a café as All Things Equal expands into a new Hawthorn location.
• A values-driven organisation where hospitality excellence and social impact go hand in hand.
• A warm, supportive team that champions belonging, excellence, growth, collaboration and meaningful impact.

READY TO JOIN US?

If you're an experienced Sous Chef who is passionate about culinary excellence and inspired by the opportunity to develop people as well as great food, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us in building a kitchen where exceptional food creates meaningful opportunities.