Sous Chef

About Lawson Flats:

Set over three floors in one of the city's last remaining Art Deco jewels, Lawson Flats is a modern and contemporary take on a private members club, a home to a collection of rooms fit for work, life and play.

There's a sauna for sweating, a gallery for gazing and a pool room for playing. A place to get work done; an email for one, or a meeting for many – spaces to sit, host, or hide away. A movement studio for yoga, dance and pilates. A gym to lift your pulse and a bar to steady it. An assortment of private rooms – for board meetings, book clubs, birthday dinners and big parties. A listening room where the records are always changing. A karaoke room for late-night duets. And a cracking kitchen at the heart of it all.

We are open Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays.

Every day is different at Lawson flats which keeps it interesting. Our restaurant 'Luis' is open Mon – Sat and is based on a European brasserie with a fresh and vibrant approach to food and drink. The rest of the building will host everything from working lunch meetings, drink and canape parties in the karaoke and music rooms, set lunches and dinners up to 40 in any of our private rooms and even whole club takeovers for up to 300 where anything food and drink goes. It's never a dull moment.

About the Role:

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operations of our kitchen, ensuring that every dish leaving the kitchen reflects our quality, consistency, and presentation standards. You will lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team, while supporting the Head Chef in menu development, stock management, and operational efficiency. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to make their mark in a dynamic, high-performing kitchen.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring every dish reflects Lawson Flats' high standards of quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Lead and inspire the kitchen team, fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and professional growth.
• Maintain excellence in food preparation, storage, and delivery, ensuring consistency across all service periods.
• Uphold strict food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards, ensuring a clean, organised and efficient kitchen environment.
• Support with ordering, inventory control, and monthly stock management to maintain accurate cost control and minimise waste.
• Assist in scheduling, rostering and monitoring labour forecasts to achieve operational efficiency.
• Mentor and develop team members through hands-on training, coaching and regular feedback.
• Work closely with the Head Chef and wider management team to achieve departmental goals and uphold Lawson Flats' culinary vision.
• Engage with guests and team members to maintain a welcoming, professional and service-focused atmosphere.
• Contribute to menu development, innovation, and continuous improvement within the kitchen.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or senior kitchen role in a high-quality, fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on mentoring and development.
• Solid understanding of kitchen operations, food safety, hygiene standards, and cost control.
• Passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences and a commitment to excellence.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Experience life as a Lawson Flats team member even when off shift
• Enjoy discounted staff meals
• Access to Lawson Flats' gym classes
• Receive staff discounts at the State Buildings
• Sundays off
• Kitchen closes at 9:00 PM Monday to Thursday

If you're passionate about food, people, and creating memorable experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you're the perfect fit for Lawson Flats.