Sous Chef | Cruise Whitsundays

Be a part of sharing special places and shaping lasting memories with Australia’s leading experiential tourism business.

About The Role

The Sous Chef plays a crucial role in managing the daily operations of our land-based production kitchen, reporting directly to the Catering Supervisor. Working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, the Sous Chef is responsible for delivering exceptional catering services across multiple vessels, private charters, and offshore operations. This hands-on managerial position requires strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to maintaining high culinary standards.

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 team efforts to deliver timely and high-quality catering products across various areas of the business.
• Maintain strict standards of cleanliness and food safety, conducting regular inspections and audits in line with Australian Food Safety Standards and HACCP protocols.
• Assist the Catering Supervisor with stock control processes, including ordering, inventory management, and minimising waste to enhance kitchen efficiency.
• Foster a positive team culture through clear communication and leadership, mentoring team members to promote continuous improvement and accountability.

About You

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with a strong passion for hospitality, who is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences through food quality and service. You will bring significant staff management experience, an energetic approach, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment while maintaining a keen focus on detail.

To be successful in this role you will be / have:

• A genuine passion for hospitality and exceptional food quality service.
• Demonstrated experience in staff management, fostering a high-performing team culture.
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy kitchen.
• Strong attention to detail in all aspects of kitchen operations, including hygiene and compliance.
• Flexibility to work extended hours during peak periods and undertake relief duties at Reefworld Pontoon when required.

About Us

Cruise Whitsundays, based in Airlie Beach is the largest marine-based tour and transport provider in the Whitsundays. Providing close encounters with the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the islands of the Whitsundays, Cruise Whitsundays operates 10, well-equipped, air-conditioned vessels, plus a world-class sailing catamaran, offering a range of tours, as well as an inter-island resort connection service, with regular daily departures at two islands, one airport and two mainland ports.

Cruise Whitsundays also operates Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefsuites, and a Reefsleep glamping experience at the Reefworld pontoon, moored offshore at Hardy Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

From our cruises and sailing adventures to our world-renowned underwater accommodation, there’s no better way to experience the Whitsundays, and you won’t find a friendlier or more experienced crew to work with. When the ocean is your office, every day is good one!

About Journey Beyond

Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 20 brands spanning the country and New Zealand, connecting guests to the land, and to each other.

Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Sailaway Port Douglas, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89; the historic Vintage Rail Journeys; The Telegraph Station in Alice Springs; Monarto Safari Resort; Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo, New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours, and Voyages Tourism Australia.

Requirements

• Cert III in Commercial Cookery (Mandatory)
• Driver Licence (Mandatory)
• SITHFAB021– QLD Responsible Service of Alcohol (Mandatory)
• SITSS00069 – Food Safety Supervision Skill Set (Mandatory)
• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid & Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Mandatory)
• Blue Card (Working with Children’s check─ QLD) (Mandatory)
• Elements of Shipboard Safety (Mandatory)

Benefits

• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• An attractive salary and positive work environment
• Study Assistance Policy
• A career with opportunities for progression, transfers, and secondments
• Employee Referral Policy
• Parental Leave program
• Purchased Leave policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise
• Discounts at the Cruise Café & Bar
• Discounts at the bar on board vessels
• Free public transport
• Salary sacrifice remote area benefits

Applications will be reviewed and progressed as they are received, so don't wait, apply now!