About the role
Aplenty is looking for a hands-on Sous Chef to join our growing team, working across creative catering, weddings + large-scale events. Perfect for an experienced chef ready to take more ownership, build their leadership skills and grow with the business.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Sous Chef supports the Head Chef in leading daily kitchen operations and event production at Aplenty.
This is a hands-on leadership role within a high-volume creative catering environment. You are responsible for supporting production flow, guiding the kitchen team, and ensuring food is delivered consistently, professionally and on time.
This role offers strong development in leadership, planning and large-scale event execution.
SUCCESS IN THIS POSITION LOOKS LIKE
Kitchen production runs smoothly during peak periods and optimising the quiet months
Prep is completed on time with minimal last-minute pressure
Ordering is accurate, in budget and well planned
Events leave the kitchen clearly packed, labelled and service-ready
Food quality and presentation remain consistent across events
Junior team members feel supported and clear on expectations
The Head Chef is able to focus on higher-level responsibilities knowing daily execution is under control
Food safety and compliance standards are consistently upheld
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Support the Head Chef in running daily kitchen production
Supervise and guide kitchen staff
Maintain calm, clear communication during busy periods
Ensure workflow efficiency and team alignment
PLANNING AND PRODUCTION
Produce prep schedules and forward planning
Manage ordering and stock control within budgeted guidelines
Maintain accurate production timelines
Identify and resolve operational issues early
EVENT EXECUTION & QUALITY
Support high-volume and off-site catering logistics
Oversee pack-down and transport preparation to ensure events leave organised and service-ready
Maintain food quality and consistency from kitchen through to service
Uphold strong attention to detail in plating and presentation
Protect Aplenty’s high standards across all menus
Ensure professional, seamless event delivery
COMPLIANCE AND STANDARDS
Maintain food safety and WHS compliance
Ensure kitchen systems and SOPs are followed
Monitor quality control across production
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Minimum 2+ years in high-volume catering, events or fast-paced kitchens
Previous experience supervising kitchen teams and delegating production
Strong production planning, organisation and time-management skills
Clear and confident communicator under pressure
Experience interpreting event sheets, calculating quantities and coordinating multiple events
Demonstrated knowledge of food safety, stock rotation, ordering, portion control and waste reduction
REQUIREMENTS
Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (preferred)
Current Australian Driver’s Licence (essential), confidence driving a commercial van (preferred)
Flexible availability, including weekends and event-based hours
Proficient computer skills including catering software and google suite
WHO YOU ARE
Calm, reliable and solutions focused in busy environments
Highly organised with strong attention to detail and accountability
A supportive team leader who communicates clearly and respectfully
Able to take direction from the Head Chef whilst working independently and showing initiative
Takes ownership of production, kitchen organisation and event execution
Identifies risks, missing information and operational issues early
Consistently execute the Aplentys culinary vision, recipes and established standards
Interested in developing a long-term career in catering and events
Takes pride in teamwork, organisation and delivering high standards at scale
CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Food cost management & COGS tracking
Labour planning and efficient kitchen rostering
Menu engineering, recipe costing, pricing strategy and production tool development
Operational systems improvement and process improvement
Training process development and leadership
Direct mentorship and professional development from the Head Chef
Grow with us! Opportunity to expand your skill set and progress into greater kitchen and operational responsibilities
WHAT WE OFFER
A small business with big ambition and a clear vision, where the right people grow as the business grows
A supportive kitchen environment focused on teamwork, and high standards
Exposure to large-scale, experiential, and unique event catering, working with diverse menus
A positive workplace culture that values respect, communication and growth
A business committed to developing its team and creating a workplace people genuinely enjoy
Staff meals and team lunches
