The iconic Esplanade Hotel (The Espy) is one of St Kilda's best-known venues, with a long history as a Melbourne live music and hospitality institution.
Sitting right on the St Kilda foreshore, The Espy brings together multiple bars, dining spaces, live entertainment and a high-volume kitchen operation that comes alive across weekends, events and the warmer months.
We're looking for an experienced Sous Chef to join the kitchen leadership team and help run day-to-day kitchen operations across a busy, seasonal venue.
This is a role for someone who is confident leading a team, knows how to keep a kitchen moving during a big service and can stay calm, focused and professional when the pressure is on.
What you'll be doing
Take a hands-on leadership role across day-to-day kitchen operations
Lead and support the kitchen team through busy, high-volume services
Keep service organised, efficient and consistent, particularly during peak periods
Maintain high standards of food preparation, quality, presentation and food safety
Make quick, practical decisions when service becomes challenging
Communicate clearly and positively with the kitchen and wider venue team
Support the development of junior chefs and help build a positive kitchen culture
Manage kitchen organisation, stock control and preparation
Adapt kitchen operations and staffing to seasonal demand and changing trade
Work closely with the Head Chef to maintain standards and deliver a consistent operation
What we're looking for
Previous experience as a Sous Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role
Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and food safety
The ability to remain calm, focused and professional under pressure
Confidence leading a team in a high-volume environment
Strong communication and people-management skills




A practical, hands‐on approach to service
Excellent organisation and attention to detail
A genuine interest in developing junior chefs and creating a positive kitchen culture
The ability to adapt to a seasonal, fast-paced venue
Why join us?
Access to 250+ venues across Australia with generous staff discounts
Career progression and development opportunities across AVC
Opportunities to relocate or move between venues as your career develops
A supportive team workplace with experienced hospitality leaders
Be part of one of Melbourne's most iconic hospitality and live entertainment venues
The work you do will directly impact everyone of our customers and our aim is to ensure our employees are provided with the support and knowledge to exceed our customers' expectations.
Australian Venue Co. promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through programs like AVC Pride for LGBTQIA+ support, Her Hospo for empowering women, and a First Nations Committee for reconciliation.
We are committed to growing our understanding and engagement in diversity, equity and inclusion to build a more inclusive industry.
Turn your hospo job into a rewarding career.
Whether you're already in a hospitality management role or you're ready for career progression into management, you can take the next step with Australian Venue Co.
We're passionate about training & developing our team members and providing internal career advancement opportunities.
At AVC, we turn hospo jobs into careers!
Join our team & get access to our AdVanCe Career Pathways program, our in-house development program that is tailored to the hospitality industry.
If your next step is to become a Duty Manager, Assistant Venue Manager or Venue Manager, we can support you on your career journey.
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📌 Sous Chef | Esplanade Hotel (Melbourne)
🏢 Open Door Pub Co.
📍 Melbourne