Director of Culinary

About the role

Novotel Sydney Darling Square, located in Sydney's CBD near Darling Harbour, Darling Square and the ICC precinct, is looking for an accomplished Culinary Director to lead culinary operations across the hotel, its conferencing facilities and the heritage-listed venue Pumphouse Sydney. The role suits a forward-thinking leader ready to shape culinary experiences across multiple outlets.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations across the hotel, conferencing and Pumphouse, ensuring consistency, creativity and excellence.
• Work with the Head Chef to develop menus, seasonal offerings and food concepts that reflect trends and meet guest expectations.
• Own food costs, budgets, labour productivity, stock control and F&B and kitchen profitability while maintaining quality.
• Lead, mentor and develop the Food and Beverage team, implementing succession plans and supporting career progression.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, workplace health and safety and quality standards are met across all operations.
• Drive efficiencies and streamline food and beverage and kitchen processes.
• Collaborate with hotel leadership and stakeholders to align F&B strategy with business objectives and guest satisfaction.

Required profile

• Proven experience in a senior Food & Beverage leadership role, ideally in a hotel environment.
• Strong track record of leading, developing and inspiring high-performing teams.
• Commercial acumen, including food cost management, budgeting, labour planning and financial performance.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on daily operations.
• Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of food safety, compliance and workplace health and safety requirements.
• Genuine passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction.
• Full working rights in Australia required.