Chief Steward & Food Safety Manager

About the role

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney's first international five-star hotel, is looking for an experienced Chief Steward and Food Safety Manager to lead its stewarding operation and help set up an in-house stewarding function. The role combines hands-on operational leadership with a strong focus on food safety, compliance and continuous improvement, working closely with the Director of Food & Beverage, the Hotel HACCP champion, Food Safety Supervisors and other operational leaders.

Key responsibilities

• Build and develop a high-performing stewarding team, setting procedures, cleaning schedules and service standards.
• Work with the HACCP champion and supervisors to maintain food safety standards across kitchens, restaurants, bars, banquets, in-room dining and storage.
• Oversee food safety documentation, inspections, audits and corrective actions, escalating risks where needed.
• Coordinate staffing, cleaning priorities and equipment readiness for daily operations and events.
• Manage stewarding equipment, inventory, chemicals and consumables within budget.
• Coach the team, reinforce safe work practices and foster a culture of cleanliness and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Culinary, Food & Beverage and other departments to improve efficiency, hygiene and guest experience.

Required profile

• Experience leading a stewarding operation or comparable hospitality team, ideally in a large hotel or complex F&B environment.
• Proven team leadership, workforce planning, training and performance management.
• Commercial awareness and ability to manage labour, inventory and operating costs.
• Flexibility to work around hotel trading and events, including weekends and public holidays.
• Full working rights in Australia are required.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of food safety, cleaning and sanitation standards.
• Experience coordinating audits, inspections, compliance records and corrective actions.
• Advantageous: NSW Food Safety Supervisor certification and experience with digital food safety systems.

What we offer

• Global discounts on accommodation, dining and bars across 100+ Accor hotels and partners.
• Leave including birthday leave and up to 12 weeks paid parental leave.
• 30% team member dining discount at the hotel's venues.
• Career development and ongoing learning with industry leaders.
• Laundered uniforms, a $5 staff lunch buffet, discounted city parking and a complimentary hotel stay package on work anniversaries.
• Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Program access.