Sous Chef

Always living in the moment, Crystalbrook Riley is a five-star hotel in Cairns, where luxury meets stunning elegance. We are locally integrated with an environmentally conscious approach, and we embrace a love for art with contemporary design, sophisticated entertainment, luxury accommodation, radical events and stunning dining experiences. 

Paper Crane is a modern, respectful celebration of authentic pan-Asian cuisine, brought to life with contemporary plating and tropical Cairns produce.

Our menu is seasonal, share-style, and inspired by:

• The soul and freshness of Thailand
• The bold flavours of Korea
• The heritage and customs of China
• The contemporary elegance of Japan

Every dish is interactive, intentional, and designed to honour tradition - while feeling fresh, modern, and exciting.

The Opportunity:

As Sous Chef, you will be a trusted second-in-command within the kitchen, supporting the Executive Sous Chef and Executive Chef to deliver food that is consistent, high quality and executed with pride. You will lead from the front, working on the tools while setting standards and ensuring each service operates smoothly in line with operational requirements, food safety standards and workplace health and safety obligations.

You will play a key role in daily kitchen operations, including preparation, service execution, quality control and food safety compliance. This position suits a confident, organised and commercially aware chef who enjoys mentoring others, maintaining a strong kitchen culture and contributing ideas that support continuous improvement.

The Talent:

You are a natural leader who values structure, teamwork and consistency. You take pride in your craft, remain calm during busy service periods and understand the importance of standards, systems and communication.

To be considered for this role, you will bring the following qualifications and experience:

• Previous Sous Chef experience (or strong Junior Sous or Senior Chef de Partie ready to step up)
• Proven wok skills and experience in pan-Asian or high-volume environments
• A relevant culinary trade qualification, such as a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or higher
• A deep appreciation for Asian culinary traditions and techniques
• Confidence leading service, training teams and setting standards
• A collaborative, respectful approach to kitchen culture
• Strong organisational skills and a commitment to excellence
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene and WHS requirements
• Flexibility to work across a rotating roster in line with operational demands

For the right candidate, sponsorship may be available after a qualifying period of employment, in line with business requirements and performance.

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.