About us
Geelong Arts Centre is one of eleven Victorian State Government owned creative organisations under the umbrella of Creative Victoria. Since opening in 1981, Geelong Arts Centre has made significant artistic and cultural contributions to Geelong and the surrounding regions.
Geelong Arts Centre is currently undergoing a period of exciting and dynamic change. To meet the cultural needs of a growing population and help secure Geelong’s position as a global city, the Victorian State Government, through Creative Victoria, has committed funding for three stages of capital development. Stage One - the refurbishment of The Playhouse Theatre was completed in 2010. Stage Two - the Ryrie Street Redevelopment ($38.5m) was completed November 2019 and opened to the public on 7th November 2019. Stage Three - The Little Malop Street Redevelopment ($140m) commenced in 2019 and is planned for completion in 2023. This investment will result in a world-class arts facility becoming the cultural heart of Geelong and the G21 region.
Led by a dynamic CEO and Leadership Team, your contribution and expertise will be highly valued. We offer a great working environment in the creative heart of Geelong, working alongside passionate people who are committed to community and the Arts.
About the role
The Sous Chef is responsible for executing the culinary vision of the Head Chef, with a primary focus on catering services and café operations for the Geelong Arts Centre. The Sous Chef is a hands-on position, helping to deliver dining experiences of wholesome and creative food that will bring delight and awe to the eyes and palates of the many types of guests hosted by Geelong Arts Centre.
The Sous Chef is responsible for keeping chef and kitchen staff on time and organised during production. In addition, the Sous Chef will assist with cooking, preparation and plating and serves as the kitchen's second in command.
The Sous Chef ensures each menu item is prepared on time and meets the presentation style and quality standard required. The position also ensures that health and food safety standards are practiced and helps to troubleshoot any kitchen issues that may arise.
Reporting to the Head Chef, this position contributes to the delivery of exceptional experiences across all catering functions and café operations, including meal service within the café, retail bars, function and catering related activations. The position is responsible for helping to grow and enhance the café as a unique destination through the development and delivery of high quality, innovative and competitively priced menus, products and services, with particular emphasis on expanding the diverse catering offerings to meet the evolving needs of the arts centre's events and performances.
Essential qualifications and experience
To be successful in this position, you will have experience in a similar role, in a fast-paced, hands-on and innovative dining environment. Your experience will include but will not be limited to:
• Minimum 3-years culinary experience in a similar role.
• Commercial cookery qualifications or expertise.
• A commitment to producing consistent results of a high quality.
• Confidence in your cooking styles and extensive knowledge of various cooking techniques, cuisines, and culinary trends.
• Organisational and time management ability to handle multiple priorities effectively including coordinating with the Front of House staff.
• Teamwork and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with the kitchen team.
• Keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually appealing and delicious dishes.
• A working understanding of and ability to maintain food safety standards
Other requirements
• Flexibility in working hours to support daytime, evening, and some weekend work will be required as part of the normal hours of duty for this position.
• The following checks, licences and certifications are required for this role:
o Working with Children’s Check (employee)
o Food Handler Supervisor certificate
The employee must provide evidence that they hold current certifications prior to commencing employment with Geelong Arts Centre. The employee must maintain currency of these checks, licences and certifications for the duration of their employment with Geelong Arts Centre.
Position Description
Geelong Arts Centre Enterprise Agreement
Applications close Midnight Thursday 2 July 2026
Sound like you? Then we want to hear from you!
To apply for this opportunity please click the Apply Now button and provide a cover letter including your ability to meet the key requirements outlined in the position description, and a current CV.
Applicants will be required to undergo police and identity screening. First round interviews will be conducted either face-to-face or online. Geelong Arts Centre is an equal opportunity employer and values the contribution that diversity brings to the workplace.
Geelong Arts Centre is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of all children that interact with our organisation. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.
Geelong Arts Centre encourages and welcomes applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders People.
Applications are open to those with full-working rights in Australia.