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 great 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.

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📌 Chef de Partie | Aspiring Sous Chef (Cardinia)
🏢 MERCURE
📍 Cardinia