Sous Chef | Lorne

Merivale; Lorne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount across Merivale venues

Parental leave with flexible return to

Career growth opportunities

Training & development programs

Job summary

Merivale is seeking talented Sous Chefs and Senior Sous Chefs to join the leadership teams across Totti’s Lorne and the Bistro at The Lorne Hotel in regional Victoria. You will guide service, mentor junior chefs and help shape a kitchen culture built on consistency, teamwork and high standards.

Ideal candidates bring 2+ years in a high-end or hatted restaurant, with passion for quality produce, and the ability to excel in a fast-paced open kitchen.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in a high-end or hatted restaurant.
• Adaptable, organised, and professional with attention to detail.
• Experience with charcoal oven and grill is a plus or eager to learn.
• Knowledge of shellfish, whole fish, and roast meats preferred.
• Experience in a busy open kitchen; presentable and composed.

Responsibilities

• Lead service alongside Head Chefs and Executive team.
• Mentor junior chefs and uphold kitchen standards.
• Drive consistency, teamwork and high-quality output.
• Contribute to menu execution and cooking methods.
• Support a fast-paced kitchen with premium ingredients.

Skills

High-end restaurant experience

Adaptable and organized

Charcoal oven and grill experience

Shellfish, fish, and roast meats

Calm under pressure in open kitchen

Job description

Job Description

Sous Chef | Lorne

Company Description

At Merivale, people are at the heart of everything we do - a family-owned hospitality group with a portfolio of more than 90 venues across Australia. From iconic venues to unforgettable guest experiences, our diverse portfolio spans restaurants, bars, pubs, nightlife, and events, delivering exceptional moments for our guests every day.

The Venue

Totti’s sits proudly within the iconic Lorne Hotel, a destination that has stood on the Great Ocean Road for over 145 years. Overlooking the sweeping views of Loutit Bay, the Lorne Hotel is a true coastal landmark - combining relaxed pub hospitality, boutique accommodation and memorable dining experiences in one of Australia’s most beautiful seaside towns.

At the heart of the hotel are two distinct yet complementary culinary offerings – the lively, produce-driven Italian energy of Totti’s Lorne, alongside the relaxed sophistication of the Bistro, celebrating premium local seafood, quality meats and classic coastal pub dining.

Qualifications

The Role

We are currently seeking talented Sous Chefs and Senior Sous Chefs to join the leadership teams across both Totti’s Lorne and the Bistro at The Lorne Hotel.

Working closely with the Head Chefs and Executive team, you will play a key role in leading service, mentoring junior chefs and helping shape kitchen cultures built around consistency, teamwork and high standards.

These opportunities would suit strong, service-driven chefs who enjoy working with quality produce in fast-paced kitchens. Whether your passion lies in handmade pasta, charcoal cooking and vibrant Italian flavours, or elevated coastal bistro dining focused on premium seafood and classic pub fare, there is an opportunity to make your mark within one of regional Victoria’s most recognised hospitality groups.

Our ideal candidate will have the following experience and attributes:

• 2+ years' experience in a high-end or hatted restaurant and love working with the best seasonal produce.
• Adaptable, organised, and professional with an eye for detail.
• Experience with charcoal oven and grill would be ideal or keen to learn.
• Knowledge around preparing shellfish, whole fish and roast meats preferred.
• Work in a busy open kitchen, so being well presented and cool, calm and collected is important.

Additional Information

Merivale Employee Benefits

• 25% staff discount across 90+ Merivale venues.
• Exclusive monthly perks, staff-only rewards and events.
• Merivale Staff Cellar – access to premium wines at staff pricing.
• Paid parental leave – with flexible return to work options.
• Unlimited career growth with endless development opportunities.
• Merivale Academy – online and in-person training, including Leadership, Guest Experience, F&B.
• Professional accreditation support – including Leadership and WSET qualifications.
• Employee Assistance Program – confidential wellbeing and mental health support, provided by Sonder.
• Employee Referral Program – earn rewards for bringing great people on board.