Sous Chef

Sous Chef – New Venue

Hoopla Pakenham Kitchen & Bar

JOIN AN ESTABLISHED TEAM + BUSINESS IN A NEW STORE OPENING

Full-Time | Leadership Opportunity | $75,000 – $85,000 Salary Package

At Hoopla Kitchen & Bar, we are building a destination for families, food lovers, and people looking for a fun, energetic experience.

With the exciting launch of our brand-new Hoopla Pakenham Kitchen & Bar venue, we are searching for an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Sous Chef to assist the head chef in leading our kitchen from day one.

This is a genuine leadership role for someone who thrives in fast-paced hospitality environments, understands modern café/restaurant operations, and takes pride in building strong kitchen culture, systems, consistency, and quality.

We need the right person to execute it at a high standard whilst helping build and lead an exceptional kitchen team.

The Role

You will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality food, efficient service, excellent hygiene standards, and strong operational performance.

This is a venue-opening opportunity, meaning you will play a key role in setting the culture, standards, structure, and workflow of the kitchen from the beginning.

This is not a “clock in and clock out” role — we are looking for a true hospitality professional who takes pride in great and consistent food and building a successful team environment. Weekends and Public are a must.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership & Team Management

• Train, lead, and mentor kitchen staff

• Build a positive, high-performing kitchen culture

• Create structure, accountability, and strong communication within the team

• Assist in managing kitchen rosters and staffing requirements

• Lead by example during busy service periods

Food Quality & Service

• Deliver consistent, high-quality food standards

• Ensure all dishes are presented correctly and efficiently

• Maintain speed of service without compromising quality

• Monitor portion control and kitchen consistency

• Work closely with management to maintain brand standards

Operations & Kitchen Management

• Oversee daily kitchen operations from open to close and cover the head chef's days off

• Assist in managing and ordering, stock control, stock takes, and supplier relationships

• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards

• Maintain clean, organised, and professional kitchen operations

• Assist in managing labor costs and productivity

Venue Opening Responsibilities

• Assist with kitchen setup and operational systems

• Help establish kitchen procedures and workflow

• Assist the head chef in building the kitchen team prior to opening

• Set expectations, standards, and processes from day one

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• An experienced Sous Chef ready for their next big role

• Calm under pressure and confident during busy service

• Organised, reliable, and operationally strong

• Passionate about hospitality and quality food

• Professional, hands-on, and proactive

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced family entertainment venue

• Weekends and peak hospitality periods are mandatory

Essential Experience & Requirements

• Previous experience in a senior kitchen leadership role

• Experience managing high-volume café or restaurant kitchens

• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and team leadership

• Knowledge of food safety and hospitality compliance

• Ability to assist in managing and ordering, rostering, labor, and stock control

• Strong communication and organisational skills

• Full working rights in Australia

What We Offer

• Salary package of $75,000 – $85,000 (based on experience)

• Full-time secure role

• Exciting new venue opening opportunity

• Supportive management environment

• Long-term growth opportunities within a growing entertainment brand

• A vibrant, energetic workplace unlike traditional hospitality venues

• Where else can a Sous Chef do almost all-day hours - minimal nights

Venue Information

Hoopla Pakenham Kitchen & Bar

Hoopla Pakenham Kitchen & Bar is a modern family entertainment venue combining hospitality, fun & food, all under one roof. Our venues focus on creating memorable experiences for families while delivering high-quality food and exceptional service.

Apply Now

If you are a passionate hospitality leader ready to work in a brand-new kitchen and help launch an exciting new venue, who wants a long stable future, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit:

• Your resume

• A short cover letter outlining your experience

• Availability and expected start date

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.