About the Opportunity: Help shape the culinary identity of Sorrento's newest hotspot!
Join our passionate and collaborative kitchen team as we gear up to launch an exciting current culinary destination this summer. Celebrating the finest regional produce, our flagship restaurant within the stunning Sorrento Searoad Ferries Ferry Terminal will be inspired by coastal Mediterranean flavours. This is your chance to be part of something extraordinary from the very beginning — riding the wave of a vibrant new venue for the Sorrento community!
Our customers will enjoy the best of the Mornington Peninsula — think lazy summer days sipping spritz, soaking up seaside vibes, and indulging in mouth-watering pizzas and coastal cuisine. If you're a suitably qualified Senior Chef de Partie, you could be saying farewell to city traffic and hello to scenic drives, water views, and work-life that feels like a holiday every day!
About Us: Don't just travel, be moved
The Searoad Ferries group of companies is all about connecting people and places through unforgettable tourism and travel experiences. With over 200 dedicated staff, we're proud to operate award-winning transport, tourism, and hospitality services since 1987, including our iconic Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry route and a growing hospitality portfolio.
Our Sorrento Ferry Terminal is getting a major upgrade, and soon it will be home to new food outlets, bars, kiosks, and dining experiences. We're excited to bring quality coastal Mediterranean flair to Sorrento with ONDA—our fresh new restaurant overlooking Port Phillip Bay—and we're looking for a talented Senior Chef de Partie to help create menu magic for locals and visitors.
About the Role: Are you a passionate, qualified chef eager to make your mark?
Set in a purpose-built kitchen, you'll craft coastal cuisine. Be part of the launch team for Searoad Ferries' exciting new venture, working alongside our experienced Head Chef to deliver flawless dishes, develop kitchen processes, lead the kitchen team, and keep the good vibes flowing.
What you'll be doing:
Preparing and presenting dishes to the highest standards, ensuring consistency and quality
Operating and maintaining the latest commercial pizza-making equipment
Prior pizza-making experience is preferred for operating commercial pizza-making equipment
Ensuring adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols
Assisting in leading efficient daily kitchen operations, supporting the team and ensuring smooth workflows
Contributing to menu development, special event planning, and innovative culinary ideas
Managing ordering, checking the quality of ingredients, and maintaining stock levels
Overseeing food preparation across diverse settings including kiosks, in-house dining, pizza production, outsourced catering, private dining, and large-scale events
Mentoring, coaching, and developing team members to foster growth and high performance
Supporting the Head Chef in cultivating a positive, motivated, and high-performing kitchen culture.
About You: To thrive here, you'll need:
Extensive experience as a Chef de Partie or similar in a high-standard culinary setting
Knowledge of Italian, European, and Southern Mediterranean cuisines
Demonstrated expertise in preparing and cooking a variety of Mediterranean dishes, including pizzas, pastas and small plates
Ability to manage ordering and oversee quality control of fresh produce
Certificate Level III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
A positive, adaptable mindset that shines in a fast-paced, dynamic kitchen
A passion for fostering a collaborative, upbeat work environment and delivering top-notch customer service
Strong communication skills and problem-solving mojo
Commitment to work during peak times, including public holidays, school holidays, festive seasons, and weekends
Flexibility to work breakfast/lunch/dinner shifts
Previous experience in opening a cafe/restaurant will be highly regarded
Full Australian work rights and eligibility to work in Australia is essential.
Some of the Perks You'll Enjoy: Here's what awaits you:
Employee discounts on retail, dining, tours, and free ferry travel
Extra leave for working public holidays
Access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing support
A fun, engaging workplace with regular team events and social outings.
Ready to Make Waves?: Dive in and apply, but first please note:
Availability during summer, public holidays and festive seasons is essential
You must have full Australian work rights
We anticipate strong interest in this position and will attempt to get back to all applicants but may only contact shortlisted candidates
Apply through SEEK with your resume and a cover letter telling us why you're perfect for the role
Review the full position description at searoad.com.au/careers and get your application in early! We may start shortlisting before the closing date of 12 October 2025.
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Your application will include the following questions:
- How many years' experience do you have as a chef de partie?
- Do you have customer service experience?
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
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📌 Senior Chef de Partie
🏢 Searoad Hospitality Group
📍 Melbourne