Sous Chef | Maison Bâtard

Lucas Collective; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Maison Bâtard in Melbourne seeks a Senior Sous Chef to lead the back-of-house team, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency during a new opening. You will drive tasting menus, manage labour costs, and uphold French-inspired gastronomy standards in a busy, high-energy setting.

Ideal candidates have premium dining experience, strong leadership, and a passion for global culinary trends, with a proactive approach to learning and collaboration with front-of-house.

Qualifications

• Senior Sous or Sous Chef experience in premium à-la-carte dining.
• Proven history leading a high-performing team.
• Passion for global cuisine trends.
• Understanding of budgets, food and labour costs is advantageous.
• Knowledge of kitchen operations, inventory management, and food safety standards.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Proactive, problem-solving mindset with commitment to learning.
• Strong organisational skills for fast-paced service.
• Outgoing personality and interest in day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor BOH team to ensure consistency and quality.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Monitor stock, costs, and portion control.
• Collaborate with front of house for service flow.
• Drive continuous improvement during opening phase.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Menu Execution

Food Safety

Cost Control

Organisation

High-Pressure Service

Proactive Attitude

Relationship Building

Education

Commercial Cookery Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Be Part of Australia's Most Exciting Hospitality Brands
• Grow Your Career with a Group That Champions Talent
• Work in a High‑Energy, Creative Environment

About Maison Bâtard:

Maison Bâtard is a celebration of modern French culture which has been imagined uniquely for Melbourne in a nod to the city’s golden era of hospitality.

Careful and meticulous restoration has transformed the landmark heritage site at 23 Bourke Street into a four-level haven of immersive, French‑accented dining and celebratory experiences; including a showpiece restaurant spanning the lower two floors, a late‑night supper club in the basement and an elegant rooftop terrace.

About Lucas Collective:

Formerly known as Lucas Restaurants, Lucas Collective is the vision of renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas. Proudly founder‑owned and led, our independent hospitality collective is home to some of Australia’s most loved and acclaimed restaurants, bars, and event brands - including Chin Chin, Maison Batârd, Society, Grill Americano, Baby, Yakimono, Hawker Hall and more.

About the Opportunity:

Help lead a team of high‑performing and dedicated chefs. Ensure the highest standards of quality, consistency and efficiency of BOH operations. Your leadership will be key in establishing the operational foundations of Bâtard, guiding the team through the challenges of a new opening and setting the stage for long‑term success.

The Ideal Candidate Must Have:

• Experience as a Senior Sous or Sous Chef in a premium a‑la‑carte restaurant
• Demonstrated success in leading a high‑performing team
• Passion for global cuisine trends
• Understanding of financial budgets, food and labour costs is advantageous
• Knowledge of kitchen operations, inventory management, and food safety standards
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships
• A proactive, problem attitude with commitment to continuous learning
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to remain composed in high‑pressure and fast‑paced service periods
• Outgoing personality and genuine interest in the day‑to‑day operations
• Qualification in Commercial Cookery or equivalent
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Availability to work a rotating roster including weekends, public holidays, opening and closing shifts

Working with Lucas Collective:

At Lucas Collective, we champion growth. We recognise talent, celebrate success and create space for individuals to thrive, proudly offering a culture that’s inclusive, inspiring and grounded in respect. Our tailored training approach marries on‑the‑floor experience with our own digital education platform and we offer access to an array of career‑changing opportunities.