Commis Chef - Premium Argentinian Steakhouse, Melbourne

Introduction:
About the Company

The San Telmo Group is a Melbourne-born hospitality group operating five unique restaurants — San Telmo, Palermo, Asado, Pastuso & Robata. Each venue is united by fire, quality ingredients and unforgettable guest experiences. Founded in 2011 and still based in Melbourne, we are a team of passionate hospitality professionals who believe great food deserves great service. It’s an exciting time for the Group, with San Telmo Brisbane — our first interstate expansion — opening at the end of June 2026.

About the Role

Located in Melbourne's CBD, Palermo is a lively Argentinian-inspired restaurant known for premium produce, charcoal cooking and warm, energetic hospitality. We are currently seeking a passionate and motivated Commis Chef to join our kitchen team on a permanent full-time basis.

This role is ideal for a chef with at least two years of professional kitchen experience who is confident working across both preparation and service. You will have experience working on pans and larder sections and be comfortable performing in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.

As a Commis Chef at Palermo, your day-to-day will involve:

• Preparing and cooking high-quality dishes in line with recipe and presentation standards
• Working across pans, larder and other kitchen sections as required
• Assisting with mise en place, stock rotation and daily kitchen preparation
• Maintaining food safety, cleanliness and organisational standards at all times
• Supporting senior chefs during service and contributing to smooth kitchen operations
• Working collaboratively with the wider kitchen team to deliver exceptional guest experiences

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 2 years' experience working in a professional commercial kitchen
• Confidence in both food preparation and service execution
• Experience working on pans and larder sections
• Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen hygiene practices
• Ability to remain calm and organised during busy service periods
• Full availability to work across a rotating roster - including evenings, weekends and public holidays
• Full working rights in Australia (no restrictions)
• Genuine passion for food, hospitality and continuous learning

Description:
Culture

People enjoy working here because we treat hospitality as a craft, not just a job. We invest in our team through fully funded external training, maintain rosters that respect your time outside work and promote from within — consistently. One of our current Directors started as a Kitchen Hand — that is the kind of growth we make possible. Our team is collaborative, enthusiastic and proud of what we create together every service.

Benefits

• Generous pay, tips and bonus structure
• Convenient location less than 10 min walk from Melbourne Central station, and very close to Elizabeth St trams
• Job security with permanent full-time employment
• Structured 38–40 hour workweek with genuine work-life balance
• Fully funded external training and development opportunities
• 40% staff dining discounts across all six venues
• Clear progression pathway to Demi Chef, Chef de Partie and beyond
• Work with and learn from some of Melbourne’s most respected hospitality professionals

Skills and Experiences:
How to Apply

Click APPLY to submit your application. For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Human Resources via hr@thesantelmogroup.com.au. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 2 business days for an initial phone screen.

The San Telmo Group is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.