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 doingTake a hands-on leadership role across day-to-day kitchen operationsLead and support the kitchen team through busy, high-volume servicesKeep service organised, effective and consistent, particularly during peak periodsMaintain high standards of food preparation, quality, presentation and food safetyMake quick, practical decisions when service becomes challengingCommunicate clearly and positively with the kitchen and wider venue teamSupport the development of junior chefs and help build a positive kitchen cultureManage kitchen organisation, stock control and preparationAdapt kitchen operations and staffing to seasonal demand and changing tradeWork closely with the Head Chef to maintain standards and deliver a consistent operationWhat we're looking forPrevious experience as a Sous Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership roleStrong knowledge of kitchen operations and food safetyThe ability to remain calm, focused and professional under pressureConfidence leading a team in a high-volume environmentStrong communication and people-management skillsA practical,



hands‐on approach to serviceExcellent organisation and attention to detailA genuine interest in developing junior chefs and creating a positive kitchen cultureThe ability to adapt to a seasonal, fast-paced venueWhy join us?
Access to 250+ venues across Australia with generous staff discountsCareer progression and development opportunities across AVCOpportunities to relocate or move between venues as your career developsA supportive team environment with experienced hospitality leadersBe part of one of Melbourne's most iconic hospitality and live entertainment venuesThe 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.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Sous Chef | Esplanade Hotel (Melbourne)
🏢 Open Door Pub Co.
📍 Melbourne