Sous Chef

About the role

Pearl Catering is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our dynamic kitchen team in Bowral, NSW. This is a full-time position offering an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role within our culinary operations. As Sous Chef, you will be the second-in-command in the kitchen, responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food preparation, kitchen management, and team supervision. This role is pivotal to ensuring our guests receive consistently exceptional dining experiences whilst maintaining our commitment to quality and excellence.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in planning menus, portion sizes, and food costs
• Oversee food preparation and cooking processes, ensuring all dishes meet our established quality standards and presentation requirements
• Supervise, train and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring they adhere to health and safety regulations and company procedures
• Monitor inventory levels and manage stock rotation, assisting with food ordering and receiving procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen, including proper storage and handling of ingredients
• Prepare and plate complex dishes, working efficiently during service to meet timing requirements
• Conduct tastings and quality checks on all prepared items before service
• Manage kitchen operations during service, delegating tasks and maintaining workflow efficiency
• Implement and enforce strict food safety and hygiene protocols in line with industry standards and local regulations
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery and guest satisfaction
• Support cost control initiatives whilst maintaining food quality and presentation standards

What we're looking for

• Minimum of 5 years' professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior kitchen role
• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent practical experience in a commercial kitchen environment
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards, with current food handling certification (or ability to obtain)
• Excellent leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop kitchen staff
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and cuisines, with the ability to adapt menus to seasonal and available ingredients
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure during service periods
• Sound understanding of food costs, menu costing and inventory management
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with all team members
• Physical fitness and stamina to meet the demands of a busy kitchen environment
• Attention to detail with a passion for culinary excellence and continuous improvement
• Experience with kitchen management systems and ordering software is advantageous

What we offer

At Pearl Catering, we are committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where our team members can thrive. We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with experience and qualifications. You will have opportunities for professional development and advancement within our growing business. We pride ourselves on creating a positive kitchen culture where creativity is encouraged and excellence is recognised. Additional benefits include staff meal provisions, a supportive team atmosphere, and the chance to work with quality ingredients and develop your culinary skills further.

About us

Pearl Catering is a respected catering company based in Sydney, NSW, dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary experiences for a diverse range of events and clients. With a focus on quality, creativity and customer satisfaction, we have established ourselves as a trusted name in the hospitality and tourism sector. Our team is passionate about food and committed to providing outstanding service and memorable dining experiences. We value professionalism, teamwork and continuous culinary innovation, creating an environment where talented chefs can grow and succeed.

Ready to apply?

If you are an experienced Sous Chef looking for a rewarding opportunity to advance your culinary career with a respected catering company, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any references to apply now.