Chief Steward & Food Safety Manager

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global discounts on accommodation, 100

Birthday leave

Paid parental leave

Dining discount

Career development

Ongoing learning

Laundered uniforms

Staff lunch discount

Discounted parking

Free hotel stays

EAP access

Job summary

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is seeking an experienced Chief Steward & Food Safety Manager to lead our stewarding team and uphold food safety standards across the hotel. This newly created role focuses on building an in-house stewarding function, developing high‑performing teams and strengthening practices across kitchens, restaurants, bars and banquets.

Reporting to the Director of Food & Beverage, you will ensure compliance, drive continuous improvement and collaborate with operations to deliver

Qualifications

• Experience leading a stewarding operation or comparable hospitality team.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, cleaning and sanitation standards.
• Experience coordinating audits, inspections, compliance records and corrective actions.
• Proven capability in team leadership, workforce planning and performance management.
• Commercial awareness, with the ability to manage labour, inventory and operating costs effectively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across departments.
• Flexible to work around hotel trading and events, including weekends and public holidays.
• NSW Food Safety Supervisor certification and experience with digital food safety systems advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop our stewarding operation: build a high-performing team and establish procedures and service standards.
• Champion food safety and compliance: work with HACCP champions and supervisors to maintain standards.
• Monitor standards and drive compliance: oversee documentation, inspections, audits and corrective actions.
• Plan for operational excellence: coordinate staffing, cleaning priorities and equipment readiness.
• Manage resources and costs: oversee stewarding equipment, inventory and consumables within budget.
• Build capability and accountability: coach your team and foster ownership and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate across the hotel: partner with Culinary and other departments to improve efficiency and guest experience.

Skills

Stewarding leadership

Food safety knowledge

Audits & compliance

Team leadership

Cost management

Communication

Problem solving

Flexible scheduling

Education

NSW Food Safety Supervisor certification

Job description

Discover Sofitel Sydney Wentworth – Where Heritage Meets Modern Luxury

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is an icon of Australian hospitality and Sydney’s first international five-star hotel, bringing together rich heritage, French zest and contemporary luxury in the heart of the city.

Featuring 436 redesigned rooms and suites, 14 versatile event spaces including one of Sydney’s largest ballrooms, and a collection of acclaimed dining venues including Tilda, Bar Tilda, Delta Rue and Wentworth Bar, the hotel is a destination for exceptional dining, events and guest experiences.

Company Description

Discover Sofitel Sydney Wentworth – Where Heritage Meets Modern Luxury

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is an icon of Australian hospitality and Sydney’s first international five-star hotel, bringing together rich heritage, French zest and contemporary luxury in the heart of the city.

Featuring 436 redesigned rooms and suites, 14 versatile event spaces including one of Sydney’s largest ballrooms, and a collection of acclaimed dining venues including Tilda, Bar Tilda, Delta Rue and Wentworth Bar, the hotel is a destination for exceptional dining, events and guest experiences.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chief Steward & Food Safety Manager to lead our stewarding operation and play a pivotal role in maintaining food safety standards across the hotel.

This is an exciting newly created opportunity to help establish and shape our in‑house stewarding function, build a high‑performing team and strengthen food safety practices across our kitchens, restaurants, bars, banquets and wider hotel operations.

Combining hands‑on operational leadership with a strong focus on food safety, compliance and continuous improvement, you'll work closely with the Director of Food & Beverage, Hotel HACCP champion, Food Safety Supervisors and operational leaders to ensure consistently high standards across the hotel.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Lead and develop our stewarding operation: Build and develop a high‑performing team, establishing the procedures, cleaning schedules and service standards needed to build a successful in‑house function.

• Champion food safety and compliance: Work closely with the Hotel HACCP champion, Food Safety Supervisors and operational leaders to maintain standards across kitchens, restaurants, bars, banquets, in‑room dining, storage and other relevant areas.

• Monitor standards and drive compliance: Oversee food safety documentation, inspections, audits and corrective actions, following up on issues and escalating risks to ensure standards are consistently maintained.

• Plan for operational excellence: Coordinate staffing, cleaning priorities and equipment readiness to support daily hotel operations, events and changing business demands.

• Manage resources and costs: Oversee stewarding equipment, inventory, chemicals and consumables, maintaining appropriate stock levels and working within budget.

• Build capability and accountability: Coach and develop your team, reinforce safe work practices and foster a culture of ownership, cleanliness and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate across the hotel: Partner with Culinary, Food & Beverage and other departments to improve operational efficiency, hygiene standards and the overall guest experience.

Qualifications

You're a proactive, organised and hands‑on leader who takes pride in the standards others might not see but every successful hotel depends on.

You will bring:

• Experience leading a stewarding operation or comparable hospitality operational team, ideally within a large hotel or complex food and beverage environment.

• Strong knowledge of food safety, cleaning and sanitation standards, and relevant food safety requirements.

• Experience coordinating audits, inspections, compliance records and corrective actions.

• Proven capability in team leadership, workforce planning, training and performance management.

• Commercial awareness, with the ability to manage labour, inventory and operating costs effectively.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence, coach and collaborate across departments.

• A practical, solutions‑focused approach and the ability to maintain high standards in a fast‑paced environment.

• Flexibility to work around hotel trading and events, including weekends and public holidays as required.

• NSW Food Safety Supervisor certification and experience with digital food safety systems will be advantageous. Relevant qualifications will be considered alongside practical experience.

Please note that full working rights in Australia are required for this role.

Additional Information

Why Join Sofitel Sydney Wentworth?

We value our people and offer:

• Global discounts on accommodation, dining, bars and more across100+ Accor hotels and partner venues worldwide

• Generous leave entitlements, includingbirthday leaveandup to 12 weeks paid parental leave

• 30% team member dining discountacross our signature venues: Tilda, Bar Tilda, Delta Rue and Wentworth Bar

• Career development opportunities within aglobally recognised luxury hospitality brand

• Ongoing learning and development, working alongsideindustry leaders

• Onsite perks includinglaundered uniforms,a $5 staff lunch buffet, and discounted city parking

• Acomplimentary hotel stay packageto celebrate your work anniversary

• Free 24/7 access to ourEmployee Assistance Programfor confidential wellbeing supportIf you’re passionate about hospitality, service excellence, and innovation, we want to hear from you!

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We are an inclusive company, and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent. We offer reasonable adjustments to support you. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, you're welcome to let us know.