Job Description

Crystalbrook Flynn is a social butterfly - the natural life of the party. Located in the heart of the Cairns CBD and just steps from the esplanade, it is at the centre of the action. Crystalbrook Flynn features 311 stylish rooms and suites and three of the hottest restaurants and bars in town! Add to this two glass swimming pools, conference and event spaces, Eleme Day Spa and a 24-hour fitness centre, it is an inspiring and invigorating Hotel full of energy and innovation.

At Crystalbrook Collection, we do things differently. Driven by our mission to harness the spirit of wonder, we embrace responsible luxury with positivity, creativity, and fun, delivering locally unique hospitality experiences for our community. We're not just another hotel group — we're a bold, sustainably minded collection that puts people and place at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our values — We are Customer Obsessed, We are Collaborators, and We are Courageous — we’re passionate about creating extraordinary guest experiences and shaping a new era of hospitality.

The Opportunity:

Located within Crystalbrook Flynn, Flynn’s Italian is a vibrant dining destination where fresh Italian flavours, seasonal produce and lively guest experiences come together in the heart of Cairns.

We are seeking a Sous Chef to join the kitchen leadership team in this full-time opportunity, working closely with the Executive Chef to support the day-to-day leadership and ongoing success of the venue.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who thrives in fast-paced service, leads from the front and takes pride in quality, consistency and strong team culture. From beautifully executed a la carte service to lively dining experiences, you will play a key role in shaping memorable moments for our guests while supporting a capable and high-performing brigade.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Sous Chef looking to take ownership, contribute ideas and help shape a dynamic, high-performing kitchen environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Executive Chef in the day-to-day leadership of the kitchen brigade
• Leading service periods with confidence, maintaining exceptional standards across quality, consistency and presentation
• Coaching, mentoring and developing junior chefs to build a strong and capable brigade
• Working collaboratively with front of house leadership to deliver seamless guest experiences
• Supporting labour management, rostering and kitchen productivity
• Assisting with stock control, procurement and food cost management
• Contributing to menu development, seasonal offerings and promotional initiatives
• Championing food safety, hygiene, compliance and WHS standards
• Driving a positive, organised and high-performing kitchen culture

The Talent:

You are a confident and capable kitchen leader who brings strong operational discipline, commercial awareness and a genuine passion for quality food experiences.

You thrive in structured, high-performing kitchens, remain calm under pressure and understand the importance of consistency, communication and strong team leadership.

You will bring:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
• Previous experience in a Sous Chef or senior kitchen leadership role, ideally within a quality-driven restaurant, premium hotel or high-volume a la carte environment
• Proven experience leading, mentoring and developing kitchen teams
• Strong understanding of food cost, labour management, stock control and kitchen performance
• Experience with procurement, ordering and supplier management
• A strong focus on food quality, consistency and presentation
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene and WHS requirements
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative leadership style
• Flexibility to work across a rotating roster in line with operational demands
• A genuine passion for quality produce, Italian-inspired cuisine and vibrant guest experiences

Why Us:

You will work alongside exceptional people in a supportive, collaborative and agile environment. We are proud to offer a range of industry-leading benefits that support your lifestyle, career and wellbeing including:

• 50% F&B discount across all Crystalbrook restaurants and bars
• $99 room rates and a generous friends and family discount
• Enhanced parental leave and lifestyle benefits
• A commitment to a green future through enhanced sustainability practices
• Access to our internal mobility program and team reward schemes
• Online learning and training with tailored career development pathways
• A culture of collaboration, elevating experiences and diversity
• Limitless career opportunities in a fast growing, dynamic environment
• Regular service recognition and team engagement events

Crystalbrook Collection is an award-winning hotel development and management company, proudly showcasing Australia’s newest portfolio of distinctive upscale hotels, restaurants and bars where differences are applauded. In just seven years, we own and manage luxury hotel assets worth over AU$1 billion across NSW and QLD. Our growth trajectory continues with exciting plans for new hotels in Adelaide and Canberra during 2026 and continued ambitions for further expansion both domestically and internationally.

We’re proud to foster a workplace that supports equality, inclusion and accessibility. We welcome applications from all genders, ages, backgrounds, cultures and religions.

If you have a health condition or disability, please let us know early in the recruitment process so we can provide the appropriate support to ensure you can perform at your best.

As part of our recruitment and compliance process, we may request eligibility documents, police checks and employment references.