Executive Chef (Pre‑opening) for New Gastropub

About the role

Join the pre‑opening team at Rydges Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne as the Executive Chef responsible for launching a brand‑new 106‑seat gastropub, as well as overseeing culinary operations for conferences, in‑room dining and private dining.

Key responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations across the gastropub, conferences, events, in‑room dining and private dining, ensuring consistent quality and service readiness.
• Partner with the General Manager and Area Executive Chef to shape and launch the restaurant concept, including menu design, kitchen set‑up and operational structure.
• Develop innovative menus aligned with market trends, guest expectations and EVT standards.
• Own the kitchen P&L, managing budgets, food and labour costs, purchasing, wastage and stock control.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing culinary team, handling recruitment, rostering, training and succession planning.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety standards and respond professionally to guest feedback.

Required profile

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Head Chef or comparable senior leadership role.
• Experience leading culinary teams in a gastropub, bistro, premium casual dining venue or hotel environment.
• Strong financial management skills with P&L accountability, budgeting and cost control.
• Proven ability to develop menus and drive food quality standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Availability to work a flexible rotating roster, including weekends, evenings and public holidays.

Required skills

• Menu development and culinary innovation.
• Kitchen set‑up and operational structuring.
• Food safety and hygiene compliance.
• Financial management including budgeting, labour management and cost control.

What we offer

• 50% off dining and stays across EVT hotels (QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo, etc.).
• $2 movie tickets and discounts on Gold Class, Moonlight Cinema and Candy Bar.
• Seasonal perks at Thredbo.
• Rapid career growth across the hotel & entertainment network.
• Paid parental leave and community volunteering opportunities.