Executive Chef – Luxury Hotel Opening

About the role

The Executive Chef will lead the culinary vision for the pre‑opening of Waldorf Astoria Sydney, a new 227‑room luxury hotel slated to open in 2027. You will build the culinary department from the ground up and set the standards for the hotel’s dining experience.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations, ensuring food quality, presentation, cost control and profitability.
• Partner with the Director of Food & Beverage to develop innovative menus that reflect current trends and regional tastes.
• Engage with guests to assess satisfaction, address concerns and continuously improve the dining experience.
• Manage budget, forecasting and financial reporting to meet the hotel’s commercial targets.
• Streamline kitchen systems, processes and workflows for efficient, smooth operations.
• Build, mentor and retain a high‑performing culinary team through performance management and development programs.
• Ensure compliance with work health and safety, food safety and responsible service of alcohol regulations.

Required profile

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent trade qualification.
• Minimum 10 years experience as Head of Kitchen in a five‑star hotel or comparable restaurant.
• Proven leadership in building and managing high‑performing teams.
• Experience with international luxury hotel brands, pre‑openings or major hotel transformations is highly regarded.