Sous Chef

Lagotto is on the lookout for a talented Sous Chef, with experience in hatted restaurants with a specific focus on modern Italian/European cuisine,

We will offer:

• A flexible 4 day roster with 3 days off per week
• working in a well organised and structured kitchen
• working with a passionate team of Chefs and front of house
• Working with great ingredients and suppliers
• Opportunity for career progression

Lagotto is on the lookout for a talented Sous Chef, with experience in hatted restaurants or in similar environments.

About us: Lagotto is a casual fine dining, modern Italian restaurant, focusing on playful refined food alongside personable hospitality. We are a relatively small team, but are growing quickly, and have become a popular destination for Melbourne diners. We pride ourselves on working with high quality ingredients, supplied by some of Melbourne's best suppliers. We are very process driven, with a focus on pasta making, fermentation and butchery along with many other skills. Valuing our team is of paramount importance to us, as we look to grow together with our increasing demand. 

About the role: This is an amazing opportunity for a talented Sous Chef to be part of our team.

As the Sous chef at Lagotto, you will be working alongside the Head Chef in managing a team of six chefs, helping to ensure a smooth kitchen operation. You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality whilst appropriately reflecting the vision of the business and brand. This will be achieved by working within the parameters set out by the Head Chef. The Sous Chef must support the Head Chef in all aspects of their responsibilities including management of the kitchen and administrative tasks in the Head Chefs absence.

You will be expected to assist the Head Chef in ensuring the financial performance of the kitchen including careful menu planning, COGS management, labour and BOH expenses in accordance with business goals and financial targets set out by the Directors.The ideal candidate should have:

Preparation of food & menus

• Assist with the design and development of menus to reflect the business and brand direction, using personal input whilst working within parameters set out in line with the restaurants vision.
• Take pro-active steps to constantly improve the dining experience for all diners including regular reviews of the Chef Menu/ A la carte offering and structure to ensure the best expression of the venue, always conveying value and generosity
• Be hands on in the daily operation of the kitchen, ensuring food is prepared according to venue standards and as per statutory food preparation requirements
• Ensure that the kitchen operates in a timely matter that meet the quality standards of the venue - dishes are produced on time and presented well, even during busy periods.
• Ensure high level of hygiene and organisation are in place before and during service time

Financial performance and reporting

• Assist the Head Chef in ensuring the financial performance of key BOH metrics; COGS (food), Labour, BOH expenses
• Follow instructions from the Head Chef on budgetary and agreed performance targets including cost control and expenditure
• Contribute to a monthly venue management meeting schedule and agenda, ensuring that notes are populated ahead of the set meeting time
• In the Head Chef’s absence report on performance, targets and BOH operational matters to Operations Manager on a weekly basis
• Assist the Head Chef to prepare and manage staff schedules to keep wage costs in-line with targets and ensure that additional hours required by staff are flagged with the operations manager
• Promptly address issues identified in daily venue reports including performance of staff and escalating to the Operations manager as required

This is a great opportunity for somebody who wants to develop and improve their cooking and kitchen management skills.

Only applicants with relevant experience in similar roles will be considered.

Please send your resume and cover letter to matteo@lagottofitzroynorth.com.au.