Job Description
About the Opportunity: Help shape the culinary identity of Sorrento’s newest hotspot!
Join our passionate and collaborative kitchen team as we gear up to launch an exciting new culinary destination this summer. Celebrating the finest regional produce, our flagship restaurant within the stunning Sorrento Searoad Ferries Ferry Terminal will be inspired by coastal Mediterranean flavours. This is your chance to be part of something extraordinary from the very beginning — riding the wave of a vibrant new venue for the Sorrento community!
Our customers will enjoy the best of the Mornington Peninsula — think lazy summer days sipping spritz, soaking up seaside vibes, and indulging in mouth-watering pizzas and coastal cuisine. If you’re a suitably qualified Chef de Partie / Pizza Chef, this could be your opportunity to say farewell to city traffic and hello to scenic drives, water views, and a work-life that feels like a holiday every day!
About Us: Don’t just travel, be moved
The Searoad Ferries group of companies is all about connecting people and places through unforgettable tourism and travel experiences. With over 200 dedicated staff, we're proud to operate award-winning transport, tourism, and hospitality services since 1987, including our iconic Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry route and a growing hospitality portfolio.
Our Sorrento Ferry Terminal is getting a major upgrade, and soon it'll be home to new food outlets, bars, kiosks, and dining experiences. We're excited to bring quality coastal Mediterranean flair to Sorrento with ONDA—our fresh new restaurant overlooking Port Phillip Bay—and we're looking for a talented Chef de Partie/Pizza Chef to help create menu magic for locals and visitors.
About the Role: Are you a passionate, emerging chef eager to make your mark?
Set in a purpose-built kitchen overlooking the bay, you’ll craft coastal cuisine in our new restaurant, ONDA. Be part of the launch team for Searoad Ferries' exciting new venture, working alongside our experienced Head Chef to deliver flawless dishes, develop kitchen processes, and keep the good vibes flowing.
What you’ll be doing:
- Preparing and presenting dishes to the highest standards
- Using the latest commercial pizza making equipment
- Following food safety and hygiene protocols
- Assisting in efficient day-to-day kitchen operations
- Contributing to menu development and event planning
- Ordering and checking quality of produce
- Maintaining inventory and storage of ingredients
- Food prep across multiple settings - from kiosk grab-and-go items, in-house dining dishes, pizza making, outsourced catering, private dining, and large-scale event catering.
About You: To thrive here, you'll need:
- Prior experience as a Commis Chef, Chef de Partie or similar in a high-standard culinary setting
- Knowledge of Italian, European, and Southern Mediterranean cuisines
- Demonstrated expertise in preparing and cooking a variety of Mediterranean dishes, including pizzas, pastas and small plates
- Ability to manage ordering and oversee quality control of fresh produce
- Certificate Level III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
- A positive, adaptable mindset that shines in a fast-paced, dynamic kitchen
- A passion for fostering a collaborative, upbeat work environment and delivering top-notch customer service
- Strong communication skills and problem-solving mojo
- Flexibility to work during peak times, including public holidays and weekends
- Willingness to work breakfast, lunch, and dinner shifts
- Experience in opening a restaurant will be highly regarded
- Full Australian work rights and eligibility to work in Australia is essential.
Some of the Perks You’ll Enjoy: Here’s what awaits you:
- Employee discounts on retail, dining, tours, and free ferry travel
- Access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing support
- A fun, engaging workplace with regular team events and social outings.
Ready to Make Waves?: Dive in and apply, but first please note:
- Availability during summer, festive seasons, is essential
- You must have full Australian work rights
- We anticipate strong interest in these positions and will attempt to get back to all applicants but may only contact shortlisted candidates
- No agencies
- Apply through SEEK with your resume and a cover letter telling us why you're perfect for the role
- We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace - all backgrounds are encouraged to apply
- Review the full position description at searoad.com.au/careers and get your application in early!