Sous Chef

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Sous Chef supports the Head Chef in delivering high-quality meals for Qantas Lounges, helping manage kitchen operations, food preparation, menu execution, stock control and hygiene standards. Candidates should have commercial cookery qualifications or equivalent experience, a solid background in professional kitchens and practical knowledge of food safety and HACCP procedures. The role requires leadership, organisation and the ability to train and motivate kitchen staff while maintaining consistent presentation and quality during busy service periods. Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays is expected. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia and be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced airport hospitality environment.

About the employer

Qantas Lounges by Accor is a partnership between Qantas, Australia’s national airline, and Accor, a leading global hospitality group. The partnership brings Accor’s hotel and food-and-beverage expertise to the operation of Qantas lounges, including facilities at Sydney Airport in Mascot. Lounge teams provide premium dining, drinks, customer service and comfortable spaces for eligible Qantas and partner-airline passengers. Accor operates a broad international portfolio of hotels, resorts and hospitality experiences, with a strong focus on service standards, staff development and operational excellence. In this role, the Sous Chef contributes to the guest experience by supporting the kitchen leadership team and delivering fresh, consistent food in a high-volume airport environment. The workplace typically involves structured procedures, demanding service periods and collaboration across culinary, lounge-service and management teams.

Working in Australia

Australia offers strong opportunities for chefs, particularly in hotels, resorts, restaurants, catering companies, airports and remote hospitality venues. Sydney provides diverse employment, excellent public transport and a multicultural food scene, although accommodation and living costs are high. Australian hospitality culture values professionalism, punctuality, teamwork, workplace safety and friendly service. Chefs commonly work varied shifts, including weekends and public holidays. Eligible overseas applicants may use temporary work visas such as the Working Holiday visa, employer-sponsored pathways or skilled migration options, depending on nationality, occupation, qualifications and experience. Employers usually require Australian work rights, and some roles may require food-safety certification or local compliance training. Relocating to Sydney involves arranging a tax file number, bank account, accommodation and health insurance where appropriate. Australia’s lifestyle offers beaches, outdoor activities and a relaxed social culture, but workers should budget carefully for rent, transport and daily expenses.