Ollie’s Italian – Cairns
Ollie’s Italian is seeking an experienced, passionate, and driven Sous Chef to join our leadership team full-time . This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled hospitality professional to play a key role in delivering exceptional modern Italian cuisine while supporting the day-to-day management of a busy, high-performing kitchen.
Working closely with the Head Chef and management team, you will lead by example, oversee kitchen operations, mentor staff, and ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and customer satisfaction are consistently achieved.
About the Role
As Sous Chef, you will be responsible for supporting and leading kitchen operations, ensuring efficient service, maintaining food quality standards, and assisting with the management and development of the kitchen team. This role combines hands-on cooking responsibilities with operational and managerial duties, making it ideal for a strong leader who is passionate about hospitality and modern Italian cuisine.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef.
- Prepare, season, cook, and present dishes in accordance with recipes and established standards.
- Oversee all sections of the kitchen, including entrée, pasta, pans, grill, pizza and dessert as required.
- Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation of all menu items.
- Monitor food quality at all stages of preparation and service.
- Assist with menu development, specials, and recipe creation.
- Maintain strong knowledge of modern Italian cuisine and industry trends.
Team Leadership & Management
- Supervise, train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff across all sections.
- Recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of team members.
- Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative kitchen culture.
- Delegate responsibilities effectively and ensure accountability within the team.
- Support rostering requirements and labour cost management.
- Lead service periods with confidence while maintaining a calm and organised environment.
Kitchen Administration & Stock Control
- Manage daily kitchen production and service operations.
- Assist with stock ordering, supplier management, purchasing, and inventory control.
- Maintain accurate stock records and ensure stock rotation procedures are followed.
- Monitor food costs, portion control, and minimise food wastage.
- Assist with pricing and costing of menu items where required.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and workplace health and safety regulations.
- Monitor and record fridge, freezer, and food storage temperatures.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained, clean, functional, and compliant.
- Enforce food handling, labelling, storage, and sanitation procedures.
- Maintain a safe and professional working environment at all times.
Communication & Collaboration
- Work closely with front-of-house management to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
- Address operational challenges proactively and implement practical solutions.
- Maintain effective communication between kitchen and service teams.
- Support management with operational planning and reporting requirements.
Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a professional kitchen environment.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Sous Chef role
- Extensive experience with fresh pasta and modern Italian cuisine.
- Proven experience working in Italian cuisine
- Experience in a busy 7-day à la carte operation.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- Sound understanding of food costing, stock control, labour management, and kitchen administration.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety and workplace health and safety standards.
- Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining exceptional quality and consistency.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about hospitality and delivering exceptional food experiences.
- Strong work ethic with excellent attention to detail.
- Hands-on leader who motivates and supports their team.
- Solution-focused, adaptable, and proactive.
- Reliable, professional, and committed to maintaining high standards.
- Interested in building a long-term career in Cairns.
What We Offer
- Full-time secure employment.
- Competitive remuneration package negotiable based on experience.
- Opportunity to work in a respected and growing hospitality venue.
- Collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Involvement in menu development and kitchen innovation.
- Long-term opportunity for the right candidate.
If you are a motivated hospitality professional with a passion for Italian cuisine and proven leadership experience, we would love to hear from you.
Job Type: Casual
Pay: $80,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
