Pony Dining has been burning in the heart of The Rocks since 2006 and with the Group now expanding now into Barangaroo, big changes are on the horizon. Among the first kitchens in Sydney to build a serious culinary identity around wood fire, the restaurant has spent two decades refining what it means to cook over flame, dry-aged beef, live fire, Australian produce, and a discipline that comes from doing one thing exceptionally well for a very long time.

This is a role for a technically strong cook who is ready to take the next step into kitchen leadership. Working directly under the Executive Head Chef Neil Nolan, the Senior Sous Chef bridges the pass and the sections, supporting daily operations, developing the team around them, and holding the standard when it matters most. If you are ready to lead as well as cook, this is your opportunity.

Kitchen Operations & Service

- Support the Head Chef in leading services from the pass and across all sections
- Maintain a high standard of mise en place and station readiness before every service
- Step up to lead the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence

Culinary Standards

- Execute the food programme with precision and consistency across every service
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of technique, produce, and the story behind every dish
- Contribute to a culture of excellence, discipline, and care in every aspect of kitchen output

Team Support & Development

- Guide and support Chef de Parties and commis cooks throughout service




- Assist with onboarding and training of new kitchen team members
- Reinforce standards, workflows, and accountability across the kitchen

Operations & Compliance

- Assist with ordering, stock rotation, and waste management under the direction of the Head Chef
- Uphold all food safety, HACCP, and WHS standards without exception
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness and organisation throughout service and pack-down

We Are Looking For

- Experience in a premium or hatted venue
- Deep knowledge of fire-based cooking techniques, premium produce, and up-to-date Australian cuisine
- Strong technical skills and a genuine passion for fire-driven, produce-led cooking
- Emerging leadership ability with the confidence to guide a team under pressure
- Organised, reliable, and highly attentive to detail

What Success Looks Like

- Your sections are consistently ready, organised, and performing to standard before service begins
- The team around you is guided, supported, and held to a clear standard on every shift
- Food quality and consistency are maintained whether the Head Chef is on the pass or not
- You are growing into a leadership presence the kitchen responds to with confidence

Why Join the Opening Team

This is an opportunity to join a growing Sydney hospitality group from day one. Working alongside an experienced culinary team, helping shape the kitchen culture, and delivering food that sets a new benchmark for modern Australian dining.

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📌 Senior Sous Chef (New South Wales)
🏢 Pony Dining the Rocks
📍 New South Wales