Sous Chef

About the Venue:
Tunki, located within the Lakes Hotel in West Lakes, is an award-winning premium dining destination redefining modern fusion cuisine.

Recognised nationally and across South Australia, Tunki has quickly established itself as a leader in the industry, earning multiple prestigious accolades including:

• Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division (National) – AHA National Awards for Excellence

• Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division (SA) – AHA SA Awards

• AGFG Chef Hat (2025 & 2026)

• AGFG Readers’ Choice – Best Japanese/Fusion (2025)

• Judges’ Commendation – Best Bar Presentation & Experience (2025)

With a unique expression of Nikkei cuisine, an immersive open kitchen, and a standout Pisco bar, Tunki delivers a dynamic, theatrical, and highly refined dining experience.

Receiving back-to-back Chef Hats within its first three years, Tunki is firmly positioned as one of South Australia’s premier dining destinations.

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and driven Sous Chef to join the kitchen leadership team at Tunki.

This is a hands-on senior culinary role, working closely with the Executive Chef to ensure consistent execution, operational excellence, and high-performance standards across service.

The role is suited to a chef with strong fine dining experience, a passion for precision and creativity, and exposure to Japanese, South American, or Nikkei-inspired cuisine.

The Sous Chef will play a key role in leading service, supporting kitchen operations, mentoring the team, and maintaining the high standards expected within a multi-award-winning restaurant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Executive Chef in leading all day-to-day kitchen operations

• Ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all sections during service

• Execute dishes aligned with Nikkei cuisine principles at a high standard

• Assist with menu development and seasonal updates in collaboration with senior chefs

• Demonstrate strong technical skills in ceviche, woodfire grilling, and open-fire cooking

• Lead and support kitchen team members during service periods

• Assist with rostering, stock control, ordering, and kitchen administration

• Maintain strict compliance with food safety, WHS, and hygiene standards

• Contribute to cost control and minimisation of wastage

• Mentor and develop junior chefs to build a high-performing kitchen culture

• Work closely with FOH and bar teams to ensure seamless guest experience

About You:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef in a premium or fine dining environment

• Strong background in Japanese, South American, or Nikkei cuisine (highly regarded)

• Experience with ceviche, woodfire grilling, and open-fire cooking techniques

• Solid understanding of high-volume fine dining service standards

• Strong leadership presence with a hands-on approach

• Excellent organisational and time management skills

• Strong commercial awareness including stock control and cost management

• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-expectation kitchen environment

• Full Australian working rights (sponsorship not available)

What’s on Offer:

• Staff discounts across Oscars Group venues

• Internal and external training and development programs

• Mentoring from experienced hospitality leaders

• Career progression opportunities across 45+ venues

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Reward and recognition initiatives

• Opportunity to work in an award-winning, Chef Hat–recognised restaurant

About Us:
The Lakes Hotel is part of Oscars Group, one of Australia’s largest privately owned hospitality groups.

Located on the scenic waterfront of West Lakes, The Lakes Hotel is a dynamic, multi-faceted hospitality destination featuring award-winning dining, entertainment, accommodation, gaming, and event spaces.

The property includes multiple venues such as Tunki Restaurant, Knots Kitchen, Lakes Sports Bar, and the Goldrush gaming lounge, alongside versatile function spaces catering to both social and corporate events.

The Lakes Hotel is known for its strong community connection, high-quality hospitality offering, and commitment to creating a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike. As part of Oscars Group, the venue benefits from strong leadership, career development pathways, and a culture focused on excellence and growth.