About the Venue:
Tunki, located within the Lakes Hotel in West Lakes, is an award-winning premium dining destination redefining modern fusion cuisine.
Recognised nationally and across South Australia, Tunki has quickly established itself as a leader in the industry, earning multiple prestigious accolades including:
Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division (National) – AHA National Awards for Excellence
Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division (SA) – AHA SA Awards
AGFG Chef Hat (2025 & 2026)
Judges’ Commendation – Best Bar Presentation & Experience (2025)
With a unique expression of Nikkei cuisine, an immersive open kitchen, and a standout Pisco bar, Tunki delivers a dynamic, theatrical, and highly refined dining experience.
Receiving back-to-back Chef Hats within its first three years, Tunki is firmly positioned as one of South Australia’s premier dining destinations.
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Sous Chef to join the kitchen leadership team at Tunki.
This is a hands-on senior culinary role, working closely with the Executive Chef to ensure consistent execution, operational excellence, and high-performance standards across service.
The role is suited to a chef with strong fine dining experience, a passion for precision and creativity, and exposure to Japanese, South American, or Nikkei-inspired cuisine.
The Sous Chef will play a key role in leading service, supporting kitchen operations, mentoring the team, and maintaining the high standards expected within a multi-award-winning restaurant.
Key Responsibilities:
Support the Executive Chef in leading all day-to-day kitchen operations
Ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all sections during service
Execute dishes aligned with Nikkei cuisine principles at a high standard
Assist with menu development and seasonal updates in collaboration with senior chefs
Demonstrate strong technical skills in ceviche, woodfire grilling, and open-fire cooking
Lead and support kitchen team members during service periods
Assist with rostering, stock control, ordering, and kitchen administration
Maintain strict compliance with food safety, WHS, and hygiene standards
Contribute to cost control and minimisation of wastage
Mentor and develop junior chefs to build a high-performing kitchen culture
Work closely with FOH and bar teams to ensure seamless guest experience
About You:
Proven experience as a Sous Chef, Senior Sous or Head Chef in a premium or fine dining environment
Strong background in Japanese, South American, or Nikkei cuisine (highly regarded)
Experience with ceviche, woodfire grilling, and open-fire cooking techniques
Solid understanding of high-volume fine dining service standards
Strong leadership presence with a hands-on approach
Excellent organisational and time management skills
Strong commercial awareness including stock control and cost management
Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-expectation kitchen environment
Full Australian working rights (sponsorship not available)
What’s on Offer:
Staff discounts across Oscars Group venues
Internal and external training and development programs
Mentoring from experienced hospitality leaders
Career progression opportunities across 45+ venues
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Reward and recognition initiatives
Opportunity to work in an award-winning, Chef Hat–recognised restaurant
About Us:
The Lakes Hotel is part of Oscars Group, one of Australia’s largest privately owned hospitality groups.
Located on the scenic waterfront of West Lakes, The Lakes Hotel is a dynamic, multi-faceted hospitality destination featuring award-winning dining, entertainment, accommodation, gaming, and event spaces.
The property includes multiple venues such as Tunki Restaurant, Knots Kitchen, Lakes Sports Bar, and the Goldrush gaming lounge, alongside versatile function spaces catering to both social and corporate events.
The Lakes Hotel is known for its strong community connection, high-quality hospitality offering, and commitment to creating a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike. As part of Oscars Group, the venue advantages from strong leadership, career development pathways, and a culture focused on excellence and growth.
Your application will include the following questions:
- Which of the following cuisine types do you have experience with?
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
- How many years' experience do you have as a sous chef?
- Do you have experience as a chef within a fine dining restaurant?
- Do you have experience with inventory management?
- Do you hold a current Food Safety certificate?
- What's your expected annual base salary?
- How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
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📌 Senior Sous Chef (Adelaide)
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