Chef de Partie | Aspiring Sous Chef

Location: Pakenham, VIC (Avoid the hassle of commuting to the City!)

Position Type: Full-Time

About the Role

Are you a talented and ambitious Chef de Partie ready to take the next step in your culinary career? We are launching an exciting new French bistro restaurant in Pakenham and building a brand-new kitchen team from the ground up!

Tired of the daily commute into the Melbourne CBD? Enjoy high-caliber bistro cooking right here in the South-East with great parking, easy access, and a better lifestyle balance.

We are seeking an experienced, high-caliber Chef de Partie to join us at the ground level. This isn't just a standard CDP role—we are looking for a true Head Chef’s right-hand person. You will be a trusted anchor in the kitchen, helping to shape our new kitchen culture, taking real ownership of your section, and developing the skills to step up as a Sous Chef when required.

Key Responsibilities

- Help establish, oversee, and run your designated section with precision, consistency, and pride from day one.

- Work closely with the Head Chef to set high culinary standards across service, showcasing classical French techniques with up-to-date presentation.

- Step up to assist in leading service and running the kitchen in the absence of the Head & Sous Chef.

- Help forge a positive, collaborative, and professional kitchen culture within a newly formed team.

- Maintain strict food safety, hygiene (HACCP), and kitchen cleanliness standards.

- Assist with stock control, rotation, and minimizing kitchen wastage.





What We Are Looking For

- Work Rights: Must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident with full, unrestricted working rights (no visa sponsorship provided).

- Proven Experience: Extensive background as a Chef de Partie in a high-volume, quality-driven restaurant or bistro setting (French culinary background is highly regarded).

- Leadership Mindset: Reliable, trustworthy, and eager to step up into leadership duties—a true Sous Chef in the making.

- Team Builder: Positive attitude and strong communication skills to help foster a excellent work culture within a new brigade.

- Qualifications: Relevant commercial cookery qualifications (Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent).

What We Offer

- Local Convenience: Work locally in Pakenham—say goodbye to traffic and long drives into the city.

- Ground-Floor Opportunity: Be part of a brand-new opening and help build a restaurant culture you can be proud of.

- Competitive Pay: Paid under HIGA Level 6 (Grade 5) rates + Superannuation + applicable Penalty Rates.

- Generous Perks: Full Accor Employee Benefits, including global accommodation discounts, F&B; discounts, and partner privileges.

- Career Progression: Direct mentorship from leadership with a clear pathway toward a Sous Chef role.

How to Apply

If you are ready to skip the city commute, help launch this new venue, and take your culinary career to the next level, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your updated resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience.

📌 Chef de Partie | Aspiring Sous Chef (Traralgon)
🏢 Mercure Pakenham
📍 Traralgon