Sous Chef | Maison Bâtard

Lucas Collective; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Maison Batârd in Melbourne seeks an experienced Senior Sous or Sous Chef to lead a premium à-la-carte kitchen as we open a new landmark venue. You will guide a high-performing BOH team, uphold the highest standards of quality and efficiency, and collaborate with the broader Lucas Collective family.

Ideal candidates bring proven leadership, passion for global cuisine trends, and solid understanding of food safety, budgets and rostering.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior Sous or Sous Chef in a premium à-la-carte restaurant.
• Demonstrated success in leading a high-performing team.
• Understanding of kitchen operations, inventory management, and food safety standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing BOH team to deliver premium à-la-carte service.
• Maintain quality, consistency and cost controls during opening and operations.

Skills

Senior Sous / Sous Chef

Team leadership

Global cuisine trends

Microsoft Office

Education

Commercial Cookery qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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.

Lucas Collective is a company that values its people and its culture. We offer competitive salaries, generous discounts in our venues, and development opportunities to support and grow your career.

Make Lucas Collective your next — and best — career move

Proudly founder-owned and led, we are an acclaimed independent hospitality collective, with a portfolio that includes Australia’s most beloved and exciting concepts — spanning restaurants, bars, private dining spaces and other experiential offerings. Lucas Collective is brought to you by renowned restaurateur Chris Lucas.

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.