Culinary Mastermind: Pre‑Opening Chef Leader

Ovolo Hotels; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel benefits

Wellbeing programmes

Community programme

Autonomous role

Job summary

Ovolo Sydney is seeking an Executive Chef for Pre‑Opening & Culinary Excellence to lead our culinary operation and bring Brunos to life.

As hands-on leader, you will own the kitchen, develop menus across all outlets, mentor the brigade and drive costs, quality and guest experience from concept to day-to-day operation.

Join a landmark hotel opening and shape a distinctive culinary identity while delivering exceptional dining experiences and a vibrant team culture.

Qualifications

• Extensive Executive Chef experience within luxury hotel environments.
• Proven experience delivering a hotel or major hospitality pre-opening.
• Experience developing menus, recipes, SOPs and kitchen standards.
• Strong commercial acumen with food cost and labour awareness.
• Hands-on leadership style; leads from the pass and coaches the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary pre-opening journey from concept through to launch.
• Develop and deliver menus across café, restaurant, bar, and events.
• Create recipes, specifications, presentation standards, and SOPs.
• Mentor and develop chefs at all levels; build a strong pipeline.
• Manage costs, stock control, and overall kitchen profitability.

Skills

Executive Chef experience

Pre-opening leadership

Menu development

Team mentorship

Cost control

Operational excellence

Job description

Ovolo Sydney is seeking an Executive Chef for Pre‑Opening & Culinary Excellence to lead our culinary operation and bring Brunos to life.

As hands-on leader, you will own the kitchen, develop menus across all outlets, mentor the brigade and drive costs, quality and guest experience from concept to day-to-day operation.

Join a landmark hotel opening and shape a distinctive culinary identity while delivering exceptional dining experiences and a vibrant team culture.