It's cooking down under - Chefs in high demand

As part of the incredible boom being enjoyed in Australia Chef's at all levels are being sought from the very top with strong international credentials for 5 star hotels right the way through the lichen chain - demi chefs, chefs de partie, commis chefs - you name it Australia needs it but the biggest gap is in the demand for Sous Chefs.

Australia desperately needs Sous Chef to live and work in Australia so if your occupation is Sous Chef, as described in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) 351311, then your skills are currently in great demand

The news just gets better and better in that Sous Chef is on the State Sponsorship List for one or more Australian States/Territories. You may qualify for a lower required pass mark in your points based work visa assessment, and for priority processing to fast-track your work visa application.

We are actively targeting under 30's as it means we can deliver a job to you quickly as as important deliver you to Australia in double quick time. If you are over 30 please still apply but the process will take longer.

A Sous Chef is an internationally recognised role and Australia in no different but here is a brief definition.

• A Sous Chef is second in command after the Executive Chef in a professional kitchen answerable to the chef, but also has some authority over the other kitchen staff. Many of the terms that relate to cooking and cuisine in a professional setting are French. Sous is French for under, so you can see how the sous chef would work directly under the leader of the kitchen.
• If the Chef is unavailable or off for the night, the sous chef is in command, and the kitchen staff are expected to offer the same respect to him or her as they would to the boss. Sometimes, a Sous Chef will work in the role for several years with the goal to move on to become an Executive Chef. In this way, the role is considered practical training for career growth.In Australia this would be a clear pathway to permanent emigration if you liked Australia and Australia liked you.

What Does a Sous Chef Do?

• It’s important that a sous chef be intimately familiar with all the activities of the kitchen and be prepared to do them at a pinch. He or she will prepare and cook food, and know all styles of cooking done in that kitchen, including such skills as French, Italian, and Fusion cooking. The Sous Chef is also responsible for overseeing the kitchen staff, which may involve scheduling or dealing with personnel conflict.
• The Sous Chef of a kitchen will also make sure that the food a restaurant or commercial kitchen is using is of top quality, and that staff are being mindful of the cost standards that come with the food. For instance, if a steak costs A$15 per 8 ounce serving, it is important that staff do not serve 12 ounces, costing the restaurant wastage.
• As assistant to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will help with menu planning, inventory, and managing of supplies. He or she may also aid in making sure the kitchen is up to safety standards, and that staff are obeying hygiene rules (HACCP).
• Being a Sous Chef is not an easy job. During mealtimes, it’s important for them to be quick on their feet and be able to make smart decisions instantly. They often work for long hours with little of the overall credit, but creativity will be the element that helps him or her shine on the way to becoming chef.
• Leading by Example in the Kitchen
• While Sous Chefs do not have complete authority over the kitchen, it is important that they are strong leaders as well as team players. Being able to communicate with staff is key, especially when stress mounts and tempers rise.
• To succeed, a Sous Chef should lead by example, keeping work stations clean, preparing foods properly, and cooperating with others. He or she should make decisions that get the best out of every situation, and ignore his or her ego if it arises. A Sous Chef should have respect for the Executive Chef, and value the Chef’s decisions at all times. That being said, the Sous Chef should not be afraid to offer suggestions or creative ideas that can improve upon the kitchen’s performance.

How to Become a Sous Chef in Australia?

• If you have a certified recognised trade skill in cuisine/cooking
• If you have 2 years plus experience in a quality establishment
• If you speak good English
• If you qualify for a visa (see download details below)

Please see the points below

• One of the most important steps in becoming a sous chef is gaining kitchen experience. You may have started by washing dishes or cooking fries, but every experience you gain puts you one step closer to your career, and it can take years to work up the ranks. International experience on your CV will do you no harm in building your career
• You will need to be dedicated, creative, and determined to succeed as a Sous Chef. You will need patience to deal with difficult staff and customers, and communication skills to ensure your staff feels like you consider them a part of your team.

So if you are under 30, already a Sous Chef or feel that this is the time to to move up one step then we would like to hear from you.

Please download this link and send a full information package. We have openings throughout Australia, not just in hotels but also as support in the Oil and Gas and Mining Industries and in luxury retirement villages

How much does a Sous Chef make?

• The salary you earn will depend on the city, your employer, and your skills. You can expect to average in line with the table below.
• The requirements may vary for a sous chef position, as some require just a bit of education and more experience in the kitchen, while others look for a culinary degree.

Hourly Rate A$11.79 - A$23.39
Hourly Tips A$0.12 - A$0.51
Overtime AU9.93 - AU28.43
Bonus A$1.00 - A$5000        
Total Pay A$30,000 to A$70000      

Author: Chris Slay