Sous Chef - Cruise Whitsundays

About the role

Cruise Whitsundays, based in Airlie Beach, is the largest marine-based tour and transport provider in the Whitsundays, operating 10 well-equipped vessels, a sailing catamaran, tours, an inter-island resort connection service and the underwater accommodation Reefsuites. As Sous Chef, you will manage the daily operations of the land-based production kitchen, reporting directly to the Catering Supervisor, in a high-volume, fast-paced environment serving multiple vessels, private charters and offshore operations.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise and support kitchen staff during preparation and service, ensuring consistency in food quality, portion control and presentation.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, coordinating the team to deliver timely, high-quality catering products.
• Maintain strict cleanliness and food safety standards, with regular inspections and audits under Australian Food Safety Standards and HACCP protocols.
• Assist the Catering Supervisor with stock control, including ordering, inventory management and waste minimisation.
• Foster a positive team culture through clear communication and leadership, mentoring team members.

Required profile

• Enthusiastic, dedicated person with a strong passion for hospitality and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
• Demonstrated staff management experience and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy kitchen.
• Attention to detail in hygiene and compliance, and flexibility to work extended hours during peak periods and undertake relief duties at Reefworld Pontoon when required.

Required skills

• Cert III in Commercial Cookery (mandatory)
• Driver's licence (mandatory)
• SITHFAB021 - QLD Responsible Service of Alcohol (mandatory)
• SITSS00069 - Food Safety Supervision skill set (mandatory)
• HLTAID011 - First Aid and CPR (mandatory)
• QLD Blue Card (working with children's check) (mandatory)
• Elements of Shipboard Safety (mandatory)

What we offer

• Salary of AUD 75,000-78,000.
• Discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences, merchandise, the Cruise Café & Bar and on-board vessel bars.
• Study assistance policy, parental leave and purchased leave.
• Progression, transfer and secondment opportunities, employee referral policy and employee assistance program.
• Private health discounts and free public transport.