Seeking a Head Chef and Sous Chef for the newly set up THIRD WAVE BBQ in Ascot Vale, Victoria.

Starting Date: Immediate start!

Full-Time Start - Be Part of the internally popular brand

A new "Third Wave" American BBQ restaurant is firing up the smokers in Ascot Vale, and we're on the hunt for a talented Head Chef and Sous Chef to lead our kitchen from day one. If low‑and‑slow cooking meats and burgers are your craft and you thrive on building a kitchen culture from the ground up, this is your moment.

About Us

Third Wave BBQ is growing, and that growth creates real opportunities for great people. We receive around 200 million views on our socials every month.

Now, we're bringing authentic American BBQ to Melbourne's inner North! Think brisket, ribs, burgers bold flavours and our big, creative specials. We're known for bold food, high energy venues, and a loyal customer base.

As a newly established venue, we are looking for proven kitchen leaders who want stability now and genuine career progression ahead.

The Role

We're hiring:

Head Chefs: 100,000-115,000 + super
Sous Chefs: 90,000-105,000 + super

You'll take charge of the kitchen operations and staff, menu and specials, food quality, and team leadership. This role suits someone who loves hands‑on cooking, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and wants to help shape a venue's identity from the start.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations and maintain high culinary standards
• Work with a proven menu and monthly specials
• Manage prep, cooking, plating, and service flow for up 120 guests
• Oversee stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships
• Train, mentor, and motivate kitchen staff
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture

What we're looking for (experience required)

Head Chef

• 10+ years professional kitchen experience
• 5+ years in a leadership role (Sous Chef, Head Chef, Kitchen Manager)
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Proven ability to lead busy services and maintain consistent quality
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of the kitchen
• Reliability, professionalism, and a calm approach under pressure

• Strong grasp of food cost, portion control, wastage, and stock management
• High standards for quality, hygiene, food safety, allergen management and compliance
• Reliable availability for nights and weekends

Sous Chef

• 5+ years professional kitchen experience (ideal: Senior CDP or Sous Chef level)
• Strong service skills and the ability to lead by example on shift
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of the kitchen
• Excellent prep standards, organisation, and consistency
• Passion for quality, consistency, and creativity
• Solid food safety and allergen awareness
• Reliable availability for nights and weekends

Bonus (not essential)

• BBQ, smokehouse, grill, or high-volume experience
• Experience in multi-site groups or fast-paced venues
• A genuine interest in training and developing junior staff

Sponsorship (optional)

Sponsorship may be available for exceptional candidates already living in Victoria with 2+ years of experience.

If you're ready to take the lead and help build something exciting in Ascot Vale, we'd love to hear from you.