AddressAbout the Business
Australian & New Zealand owned and operated for more than 30 years, Rydges operates quality city, suburban, and resort-style hotels in key destinations across Australia and New Zealand, with a refreshingly down-to-earth approach. Rydges provides genuine local hospitality with quality essentials alongside its trademark ‘too easy’ service.
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is a premier 418 room resort and sprawling playground in the heart of wine country, where there’s something special for everyone.
The resort features 3 distinct outlets. The breakfast buffet in Redsalt Restaurant is renowned to both locals and in house guests. In the evening it transforms to an elevated Modern Australian menu featuring local Hunter Valley produce. Vista Bar is the resort lobby bar featuring classic cocktails and pre-dinner snacks. For a lively indoor scene or laid-back beer garden, Lovedale Bar + Grill serves up everything from pizzas, steaks and burgers matched with beers from Sydney Brewery, brewed right here on site.
The resort boasts multi-faceted kitchens and is the largest Regional Conference and Events Centre in New South Wales and has room to accommodate intimate gatherings of 10 or milestone moments hosting up to 1,100 attendees!
We are looking for an Executive Chef who can build and lead a team of culinary professionals committed to their craft, dedicated to delivering the finest dishes, celebrating the best of seasonal and locally sourced produce.
About the role
This is a crucial leadership role, building a team dedicated to delivering incredible dining experiences. Every day is different, but you’ll mostly be:
- Curating a unique and exiting menu, sourcing the finest locally sourced produce
- Delivering memorable culinary experiences for our guests
- Championing an energetic and professional culture committed to quality, flair and creativity
- Working with our Sales and Planning team to support our events and conferences
- Manage all aspects of the kitchen and culinary services including forecasting, budgeting and planning
- Supporting the broader food and beverage operations of the hotel including room service.
Skills and experience
- At least 5 years of experience working in a similar leadership role in a busy operation featuring multiple outlets.
- You are a change leader, rebranding and reworking menus
- Strong commercial acumen, cost focused and able to drive profitable outcomes without compromising quality
- Ability to build and lead an enthusiastic and collaborative team.
- The ability to work efficiently under pressure and to prioritize tasks effectively.
- A creative and innovative approach to cooking and menu planning.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with other departments and staff.
- A commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene.
Benefits & Perks
- Incredible team member discounts from your first day on-the-job.
- Up to 50% off stays at EVT hotels – Rydges, QT, Atura, Lylo, Independent Collection and more.
- $2 movie tickets, plus Moonlight, Gold Class, Candy Bar discounts and more.
- Awesome winter and summer savings and discounts at Thredbo.
- Rapid career growth opportunities through our EVT network.
- Local community involvement, volunteering and charitable giving.
- Australia and NZ’s largest and most diverse experiences company.
