Sous Chef (Assistant Manager) Cake Kitchen

Full-Time | Afternoon Shift (1pm – 9.30pm initially) Laurent Bakery is one of Australia's leading artisan bakery businesses, with over 25 years of success, 16 retail stores, two manufacturing facilities and more than 500 employees. We are passionate about producing authentic French breads, premium cakes and pastries using the finest ingredients and traditional techniques. We are currently seeking an experienced and qualified Sous Chef to join our Cake Kitchen Production team at our largest production facility.

Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will act as the 2IC to deliver hands-on leadership. The role is ideal for an experienced Sous Chef or a Pastry Chef with leadership experience, who enjoys leading by example, developing people and delivering exceptional quality in a fast-paced production environment.

About the Role As the Sous Chef, you will:

Assist in overseeing the day-to-day operations of our state-of-the-art Cake Kitchen creating our divine cakes and pastries delivered to our cafes.

Lead, coach and support a team of Pastry Chefs and Kitchen Hands across both day and afternoon shift.

Assist the Executive Chef by monitoring stock usage and managing inventory control.

Ensure the consistent production of high-quality cakes and pastries to company standards.

Coordinate daily production activities to meet retail and customer demand efficiently.

Monitor product quality, presentation and consistency.

Support production planning and ensure products are completed on schedule and within labour budgets.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity and reduce waste.

Maintain compliance with HACCP, GMP and all food safety and workplace safety requirements.

Support training, mentoring and performance development of team members.





Act as the Executive Chef in their absence.

About

You To be successful in this role, you will have:

Demonstrated experience leading or supervising production or kitchen teams.

The passion and energy to thrive in our state-of-the-art commercial Cake Kitchen

Demonstrated experience as Sous Chef in a high-volume commercial bakery or food manufacturing environment.

Strong knowledge of pastry production processes and techniques.

Excellent organisational and communication skills.

Sound understanding of HACCP, GMP and food safety standards.

A strong commitment to quality, consistency and continuous improvement.

The ability to thrive in a fast-paced production environment.

Certificate IV in Patisserie (or equivalent trade qualification).

Full Australian working rights. Desirable

Experience in French patisserie or artisan bakery production.

Experience working with commercial automated production equipment.

Knowledge of production planning, inventory management and workforce scheduling. Hours of Work

This is primarily an afternoon shift position working a shift pattern that provides touch points with both the day and afternoon shift teams. However, flexibility to work occasional night shifts and weekends, or additional hours during peak production periods is required.

Why Join Laurent

Bakery?

Join one of Australia's leading artisan bakery businesses.

Work with premium products in a modern production facility.

Supportive and collaborative leadership team.

Opportunities for career progression and professional development.

Employee discounts across Laurent Bakery stores.

Stable, full time employment with a well-established and growing business.

If you are an experienced Sous Chef/Pastry Chef with previous leadership skills and are ready to own a 2IC leadership role and contribute to a high-performing production team, we'd love to hear from you!

📌 Sous Chef (Melbourne)
🏢 Laurent
📍 Melbourne