Junior Sous Chef/ Sous Chef| Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong

IHG Hotels & Resorts; Geelong; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Impressive room discounts

Lifelong development programs

Job summary

A leading hospitality group is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join their team in Geelong, Australia. In this role, you will lead kitchen operations and support menu development while maintaining high food quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, culinary expertise, and experience in a senior kitchen position. This opportunity offers a competitive salary, a supportive culture, and numerous benefits, including impressive room discounts and lifelong development programs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior kitchen leadership role required.
• Minimum 3–4 years of senior kitchen leadership experience.
• Full working rights in Australia and permanent residency required.
• Exceptional culinary expertise and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead and nurture a positive workplace culture aligned with IHG's values.
• Support the Head Chef in menu planning, preparation, and service.
• Ensure food quality and safety standards are maintained.
• Mentor and develop culinary staff.
• Manage kitchen operations efficiently.
• Manage kitchen operations efficiently while embracing change.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Team building

Communication

Creativity

Operational leadership

Education

Current Food Safety Supervisor certification

Job description

You will be deeply involved in the day-to-day operations while maintaining absolute standards across food quality, presentation, compliance, and service execution. You will set the tone on the floor, lead from the front during service, and hold the team accountable to professional expectations.

As a senior leader, you will play a key role in driving culture, mentoring chefs at all levels, contributing to menu development, and ensuring smooth, efficient operations across multiple outlets and service periods. Your voice will matter, operationally, creatively, and commercially.

Overview

This is a strong Sous Chef opportunity for those who want autonomy, influence, and the chance to work alongside an established leadership team in a business that values high standards, clear structure, and strong performance.

Day to Day

• Responsible for leading and nurturing a workplace culture that is positive, inclusive, and aligned with IHG's values, ensuring team members feel engaged, supported, and motivated to deliver their best.
• Support the Head Chef in menu planning, preparation, and service.
• Lead the kitchen team in the Head Chef's absence.
• Ensure food quality, hygiene, and safety standards are maintained across all outlets.
• Mentor and develop culinary staff, inspiring creativity, fostering growth and skill development.
• Manage kitchen operations efficiently while embracing change and new ideas.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior kitchen leadership role.
• Minimum 3–4 years of senior kitchen leadership experience is required.
• Must have full working rights in Australia and be ready to start.
• Permanent residency in Australia is required for this position.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team‑building skills.
• Exceptional culinary expertise, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences.
• Ability to adapt to change and contribute to the evolution of the culinary department.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Current Food Safety Supervisor certification is mandatory.

Qualities We Seek

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef mandatory.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Creativity, attention to detail, and a passion for exceptional food.
• Commitment to teamwork, positive culture, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to adapt to change and support the kitchen's evolving direction.

Why Join Us

• Work alongside a talented and passionate culinary team.
• Be part of a department entering an exciting new phase of innovation and growth.
• Develop your skills in a culture that values creativity, inclusion, and professional development.

Benefits

Not only will you benefit from a truly unique and career‑defining opportunity as part of this exciting hotel opening, you’ll receive a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work and a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – including impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business. Most importantly, your career journey will be supported through our lifelong development programs, IHG career milestone celebrations, and transfer of leave entitlements as you move and grow with IHG.

IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.