Cotto Cafe is seeking a skilled and reliable Sous Chef to support the daily operation of its busy café kitchen. The Sous Chef will be responsible for preparing and presenting quality café-style meals, supporting smooth food service, maintaining consistency across menu items, following food safety procedures, and contributing to an efficient and well-organised kitchen environment.

Benefits

• Full-time, permanent position.
• Competitive salary plus superannuation.
• Supportive team environment.
• Opportunity to work in an established local café.
• Stable role in a busy and professional commercial kitchen.

Task & responsibilities

• Plan and prepare seasonal café menus in line with customer demand and business requirements.
• Prepare, cook, and present menu items to the required standard.
• Manage daily kitchen workflow to support timely and efficient food service.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, taste, and presentation across all dishes.
• Guide and train kitchen staff in food preparation, hygiene, and kitchen procedures.
• Manage stock levels, place supply orders, and ensure ingredients are stored correctly.
• Maintain kitchen equipment, cleanliness, and compliance with food safety and WHS requirements.
• Monitor food costs, minimise wastage, and support cost-effective kitchen operations.

Qualification & experience

• Relevant Diploma qualification or equivalent, with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a commercial kitchen, preferably within a café, restaurant, or similar hospitality environment.
• Strong culinary skills, creativity, and a genuine passion for quality food.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation requirements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a kitchen team.