Sous Chef
Ochre Restaurant & Catering – Cairns QLD
About Us
Ochre Restaurant & Catering is the most highly awarded restaurant and catering company in Cairns.
Located on the waterfront beneath the Harbour Lights Hotel, Ochre Restaurant has been a local dining institution for more than 30 years. Our cuisine is imaginative Native Modern Australian, showcasing unique Australian ingredients and the very best local produce from across Far North Queensland.
In addition to the restaurant, Ochre Catering delivers premium events throughout the region including conferences, corporate functions, weddings and special occasions across Cairns, Port Douglas and Palm Cove.
We are proud of our reputation for quality food, warm hospitality and professional service, and we are looking for a talented Sous Chef to join our team and help continue this tradition.
About the Role
This is a full-time Sous Chef position working closely with the Head Chef to lead and support the kitchen team across restaurant service and catering operations.
This role is ideal for an experienced chef who enjoys mentoring others, maintaining high culinary standards, and working with quality local ingredients in a fast-paced but professional kitchen.
Average 45 hour week with a stable, long-established business.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist the Head Chef in managing daily kitchen operations
* Lead and supervise kitchen staff during service
* Maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation and consistency
* Assist with menu development featuring seasonal and local produce
* Ensure food safety and hygiene standards are consistently met
* Manage stock control, ordering and minimising waste
* Support training and development of junior chefs and apprentices
* Work across both restaurant and catering events when required
Skills & Experience
* Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie ready to step up
* Passion for high-quality food and seasonal produce
* Strong leadership and team management skills
* Ability to perform under pressure in a busy service environment
* Excellent organisational and communication skills
* Knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen procedures
* Experience with functions or catering is an advantage but not essential
What We Offer
* Work with a well-respected, long-standing Cairns hospitality business
* Opportunity to work with unique Australian ingredients and local produce
* A supportive and professional team environment
* Career growth within an established restaurant and catering company
* Stable hours with an average 45-hour work week
* Closed Sundays.
If you are a passionate chef looking to take the next step in your career with a respected local business, we would love to hear from you.