Sous Chefs - catering and events (casual, possibly fixed term from Oct - Dec)

Free to Feed is a not-for-profit social enterprise that empowers people from refugee backgrounds to connect through a shared love of food, storytelling and cultural exchange, as they resettle in their new community. Free to Feed is affectionately known for its rich cooking experiences, nourishing events, and a warm, generous community spirit.

At Free to Feed we want you to feel genuinely excited to do meaningful work every single day. We pride ourselves on being a creative, effective, problem solving and passionate team. Our Core Values are Curiosity, Respect and Positivity.  We want to work with people that believe in and are passionate about Free to Feed’s mission. 

We're heading into our busy season, with end-of-year celebrations, cultural events and weddings, and need to grow our team from October to December. And that’s where you come in!

Collaborate closely with the Head Chef, Customer Experience Manager, and Events Manager to bring Free to Feed’s vibrant and culturally rich catered experiences to life, both onsite and offsite.

Whether it’s delivering beautifully crafted food or fostering meaningful connections, your role ensures that participants and guests alike leave inspired and delighted.

• Lead with purpose: Support and guide our catering team during events, offering leadership and mentorship to senior team members, empowering them to run these events independently with confidence.
• Culinary excellence: Work alongside the Head Chef to oversee food preparation and the flawless execution of catering menus. You’ll ensure every dish reflects the season’s best, is authentic, and meets dietary needs without compromise.
• Attention to detail: From preparation to plate, maintain high-quality standards that showcase our commitment to seasonal ingredients, creativity, and scalability.
• Food safety first: Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, including the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code and the Victorian Food Act, with a particular focus on managing food allergies and dietary requirements.
• Team support: Help maintain kitchen equipment, ensuring everything is clean, safe, and in perfect working order, while also contributing to regular kitchen cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Operational planning: Partner with the Head Chef to plan and manage daily and weekly food production schedules, keeping our onsite, offsite, and creative catering events running smoothly.
• Lead with compassion: Embody and encourage leadership that creates a compassionate, supportive working environment. Build strong, trusting relationships within the kitchen team, ensuring a collaborative and high-performing atmosphere.
• Foster growth: Help cultivate a nurturing, learning-focused kitchen where everyone feels empowered to grow and hone their skills. Your guidance ensures that every member of the team can thrive.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 4 years experience in senior or Sous chef role
• Experience in a commercial catering kitchen, on site and off site catering or similar events-based food enterprise
• Creativity, passion and excellent presentation skills 
• Strong and demonstrated leadership qualities, including great communication, coaching and positive team culture 
• Strong understanding of HACCP food safety standards.
• Technologically confident, can use a laptop and main google suite / word / excel / email. Familiarity with Deputy Rostering system, Zoom and  Slack is helpful 
• Australian driver’s license is desirable 

Personal Attributes

• Warm, approachable, with the ability to create structure and calm, communicate positively and drive energy within a close knit team. 
• Respectful and inclusive of diverse backgrounds, with a genuine commitment to promoting cultural understanding.
• Able to remain calm under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and navigate challenges with a positive attitude.
• Knowledgeable, patient and willing to teach and guide lesser-experienced chefs/members of the kitchen team
• Highly organised with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to create structure and calm, communicate positively and drive energy within a close knit team.