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, productive 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

We’re looking for a calm, capable and experienced Sous Chef who is comfortable taking ownership of a busy kitchen.

You’ll bring

- 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 environment with experienced hospitality leaders
- Be part of one of Melbourne’s most iconic hospitality and live entertainment venues

If you thrive in a busy kitchen, enjoy leading from the front and know how to keep a team focused when the pressure is on, we’d love to hear from you.

📌 Sous Chef | Esplanade Hotel (St Kilda)
🏢 Australian Venue
📍 St Kilda