Sous chef

Join the opening kitchen team at Gabi — a new neighbourhood bar and restaurant in the heart of Yarraville.

Gabi is looking for a Sous Chef to join our opening kitchen team and play a key role in establishing the culture, systems and standards of the kitchen from day one.

Built around charcoal cooking, seasonal produce and bold, thoughtful flavours, Gabi is designed to be a vibrant local meeting place — somewhere for a quick pre-movie snack and cocktail, a long lunch with friends, dinner, date night or a celebration.

We want to create excellent food and genuine hospitality without unnecessary hierarchy or ego.

Our kitchen will be collaborative, creative and professional, with a strong focus on developing people, respecting ingredients and building a sustainable workplace.

We’re looking for either an experienced Sous Chef or a strong Chef de Partie ready to take the next step.

Working closely with the Head Chef and owners, you’ll be an important part of Gabi’s opening team and help shape how the kitchen operates as the venue develops.

You’ll be involved in:

• Leading and supporting the kitchen team through preparation and service

• Maintaining high standards of food, flavour and presentation

• Working with charcoal and live-fire cooking

• Training and developing junior chefs

• Preparation planning, ordering and stock management

• Food costing, yields, portion control and waste management

• Recipe testing, documentation and menu development

• Contributing ideas while balancing creativity, consistency and commercial viability

• Helping establish strong kitchen systems and standards

• Working closely with the bar and front-of-house teams to create one considered Gabi experience

Experience with charcoal, grilling or live-fire cooking is highly regarded, but not essential.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Cares deeply about good food and hospitality

• Takes pride in their work without taking themselves too seriously

• Is organised, reliable and accountable

• Communicates clearly and contributes positively to the team

• Can lead during busy services while maintaining composure and standards

• Is curious about ingredients, techniques and charcoal cooking

• Wants to contribute ideas rather than simply follow instructions

• Understands the importance of food cost, waste, consistency and organisation

• Enjoys developing junior chefs and building a strong team

• Wants to keep learning and improving

Gabi’s values centre around integrity, creativity, excellence, authenticity, community and accountability.

• The opportunity to join a new venue from the beginning and help shape its culture

• Genuine involvement in building kitchen systems, standards and ways of working

• A collaborative kitchen where ideas and creativity are encouraged

• High standards without unnecessary hierarchy or ego

• Ongoing training and professional development

• Support from experienced senior chefs and owners

• Opportunities for your responsibilities to grow as Gabi develops

• Regular team communication and a practical approach to problem solving

• A genuine focus on staff wellbeing and building a sustainable hospitality workplace

• Competitive industry remuneration

We want Gabi to become both a first choice for people visiting Yarraville and a workplace of choice for hospitality professionals.

Gabi is an inviting neighbourhood restaurant and bar in Yarraville Village, built around excellent service, high-quality food from the charcoal and a playful beverage program.

We’ll work closely with local businesses and producers, with an emphasis on seasonal, local and ethical sourcing.

If you’d like to be part of Gabi from the beginning, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send through your CV and a short introduction telling us a little about yourself, your experience and what you’re looking for in your next kitchen.