Qualified and Experienced Sous Chef Needed

Are you looking for a true change of scenery, and a wonderful location of work? This may be the opportunity you have been waiting for

About Us

Eling Forest Café is full-service dining establishment located on the Eling Forest Estate in the scenic Southern Highlands suburb of Suttons Forest. The Estate is proudly one of the most well established, and well-known, wineries and vineyard in the Southern Highlands region.

Visitors to the Estate can sample a wide range of exceptionally crafted wines and enjoy delectable food from the full-service café. The Estate also has a heritage colonial era cottage and homestead accommodation for those who wish to spend a night or more in an idyllic rural setting. The Estate also offers wedding and function packages which are fully catered.

The Role

Eling Forest Café is looking for a passionate, talented, and proven sous chef to join our kitchen team on a full-time basis. The café operates from 8am to 4pm every day. The successful candidate must be able to work in a busy kitchen setting, as well as assist with catering of functions as required.

The position comes with a base salary of $75,000 to $80,000 plus Superannuation. Overtime and weekend rates will be paid in addition to base salary.

The position will be subject to a 38-hour week roster, however additional hours may be requested from time to time especially during peak seasons and periods of high-volume weddings and functions bookings.

Duties and Responsibilities

The position will require the successful candidate to perform the following duties:

·       Work closely with Head Chef to develop and implement menu items for the cafe, as well as the event catering packages. As required, work with the Head Chef to revise preparation procedures with the implementation of new preparation techniques to enhance the quality of the final product.

·       Prepare food in the full-service dining setting, as well as the catering setting for catered functions.

·       Prepare menu items in accordance with established recipes and techniques to ensure consistency in the quality and standard of the final dish. Adjust preparation accordingly to satisfy customer preference or dietary requirements, while maintaining quality and integrity of final product.

·       Monitor ingredient and produce usage to minimise wastage.

·       Ensure that ingredients and produce is stored hygienically and in accordance with food safety regulations. Report any concerns regarding hygienic integrity of ingredients or produce to Head Chef as soon as it is identified.

·       Prepare food in accordance with food safety regulations, and maintain the hygienic integrity of the kitchen at all times. Comply with established procedures and directions to prevent cross-contamination, especially for sections allocated to accommodate specific dietary needs.

·       Monitor stocks of ingredients and produce to ensure that the kitchen has sufficient stock to maintain regular operations, and ensure that additional stock is available when catered function packages are booked. Liaise with Head Chef in relation to ordering of new stock for replenishment.

·       Communicate with service staff regarding preparation times to maintain an efficient service to customers. Assist with resolution of customer complaints as necessary.

·       Uphold restaurant safety, sanitation, and security standards at all times, including handling cleaning chemicals safely. Comply with safe food and health regulations at all times.

Essential Requirements

To be suitable for this role, you must be able to demonstrate the following:

1.     Completion of a diploma of hospitality or higher.

2.     A minimum of 1.5 years work experience as a chef in a commercial kitchen setting.

3.     Proven ability to work effectively within a kitchen team under the supervision of a head chef.

4.     Sound knowledge of safe food preparation and hygiene regulations.

5.     Experience in menu planning and development.

Apply Now

If you are interested, please submit an application.

If you wish to provide a cover letter, please address the letter to Michelle Yang.

Please note that applications will not be accepted after close of business on 17 October 2025.