About this role
The iconic Esplanade Hotel (The Espy) is one of St Kilda’s best-known venues, with a long history as a Melbourne live music and hospitality institution. Sitting right on the St Kilda foreshore, The Espy brings together multiple bars, dining spaces, live entertainment and a high-volume kitchen operation that comes alive across weekends, events and the warmer months.
We’re looking for an experienced Sous Chef to join the kitchen leadership team and help run day-to-day kitchen operations across a busy, seasonal venue.
This is a role for someone who is confident leading a team, knows how to keep a kitchen moving during a big service and can stay calm, focused and professional when the pressure is on.
What you’ll be doing
• Take a hands-on leadership role across day-to-day kitchen operations • Lead and support the kitchen team through busy, high-volume services • Keep service organised, efficient and consistent, particularly during peak periods • Maintain high standards of food preparation, quality, presentation and food safety • Make quick, practical decisions when service becomes challenging • Communicate clearly and positively with the kitchen and wider venue team • Support the development of junior chefs and help build a positive kitchen culture • Manage kitchen organisation, stock control and preparation • Adapt kitchen operations and staffing to seasonal demand and changing trade • Work closely with the Head Chef to maintain standards and deliver a consistent operation
What we’re looking for We’re looking for a calm, capable and experienced Sous Chef who is comfortable taking ownership of a busy kitchen.
You’ll bring:
• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role • Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and food safety • The ability to remain calm, focused and professional under pressure • Confidence leading a team in a high-volume environment • Strong communication and people-management skills • A practical, hands-on approach to service • Excellent organisation and attention to detail • A genuine interest in developing junior chefs and creating a positive kitchen culture • The ability to adapt to a seasonal, fast-paced venue
Why join us?
• Access to 250+ venues across Australia with generous staff discounts • Career progression and development opportunities across AVC • Opportunities to relocate or move between venues as your career develops • A supportive team environment with experienced hospitality leaders • Be part of one of Melbourne’s most iconic hospitality and live entertainment venues
If you thrive in a busy kitchen, enjoy leading from the front and know how to keep a team focused when the pressure is on, we’d love to hear from you.