You'll move between event preparation, high-volume production, offsite catering, private and corporate events, bespoke client menus and service at ONLYS. No two weeks are quite the same.

A big part of the role is creating food that responds to our clients. We develop a lot of bespoke menus, so we're looking for someone who enjoys the creative process of taking a brief and turning it into thoughtful, delicious food.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you'll play an important role in supporting our Head Chef and leading the kitchen team.

You'll be involved in:

Planning and executing event preparation and high-volume production
Leading kitchen teams across private, corporate and wedding events
Offsite catering and event service across Melbourne
Leading service at ONLYS
Collaborating on bespoke menu development, taking client briefs and turning them into thoughtful, achievable menus
Contributing creative ideas from concept through to execution
Developing dishes and adapting menus to suit different clients, events, seasons and settings
Planning prep, kitchen workflow and service
Ordering, stock management and kitchen organisation
Maintaining consistently high standards of food, presentation and service
Supporting, mentoring and developing junior members of the team
Helping create a positive, organised and collaborative kitchen culture
Maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards

We're Looking For Someone Who

Has 5+ years' experience in professional kitchens, ideally with experience as a Sous Chef or Senior CDP
Brings energy and enthusiasm to the kitchen and genuinely enjoys what they do
Has a strong work ethic and takes pride in their work
Is confident taking responsibility for a kitchen and leading a team
Can work autonomously as well as collaboratively
Is organised, proactive and has excellent time management
Has strong communication skills
Is open-minded, curious and creative, with an interest in developing dishes and finding thoughtful solutions to different client briefs
Enjoys the challenge of creating food that can be adapted to different people, events and settings
Is adaptable and resourceful, particularly when plans change—which they inevitably do in events
Is comfortable working in a dynamic environment where the offering and priorities can evolve
Takes ownership and follows things through
Is calm and considered under pressure
Enjoys mentoring and supporting junior team members
Has an interest in seasonal produce and thoughtful, creative food
Understands that great hospitality is about the whole guest experience
Holds a current driver's licence — essential
Experience in catering, events or high-volume kitchen environments is highly regarded, but not essential

You don't need to know everything. We're looking for someone who is open to learning, confident enough to contribute, willing to share ideas and motivated to keep getting better.

What We Offer

A supportive, professional kitchen built on care, respect and good communication
A genuinely varied role across events, catering and ONLYS
The opportunity to work on bespoke menus and creative client briefs
Ongoing learning, development and mentorship
The opportunity to work closely with our Head Chef and contribute to menus and the direction of the business
A small, collaborative team where your ideas and contribution are valued
A dynamic workplace with plenty of variety and opportunities to grow
Rosters planned in advance, with a genuine focus on creating a sustainable work environment with consecutive days off - generally Sunday + Monday
Staff benefits across Firecracker and ONLYS
Weekly pay

About Firecracker + ONLYS

Firecracker is a growing event agency and catering business based in Northcote, with a focus on thoughtful food, generous hospitality and memorable experiences.

Alongside our events and catering work, we're also home to ONLYS, our neighbourhood snack bar and wine bar. Our kitchens work across both sides of the business, creating a role with plenty of variety and the opportunity to cook in very different environments.

We're a small team, which means your contribution has a real impact. You'll work closely with our Head Chef and have the opportunity to help shape our food, systems, culture and the way we work.

We value energy, curiosity, generosity, initiative, openness, reliability, creativity, good communication and a good sense of humour.

The Details

Position: Sous Chef
Employment: Full-time
Location: Northcote, with offsite work across Melbourne
Salary: Depending on experience
Driver's licence: Essential
Experience: 5+ years professional kitchen experience

If you're looking for a role where you can take responsibility, keep learning, develop creative ideas and be part of a genuinely collaborative and dynamic team, we'd love to hear from you.

Send us your CV and a short introduction telling us a little about yourself, what you're looking for in your next role and why you'd like to join Firecracker.

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