Executive Chef

Crystalbrook Collection Hotels; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% F&B discount across Crystalbrook

Generous staff room rates

Enhanced parental leave and benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Crystalbrook Aurora in Canberra invites an Executive Chef to shape its culinary identity from day one. You will lead all kitchen operations, drive menus, champion local producers and foster a collaborative culture while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

You bring proven leadership in premium hotel dining, strong financial acumen, and pre-opening or new-concept experience. This role is a high-visibility, strategic kitchen leadership position.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership as Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef in premium hotel or dining environments.
• Strong focus on team development and guest experience.
• Excellent knowledge of local producers, seasonality and elevated cuisine.
• Solid financial acumen: food cost management and rostering.
• Experience in pre-opening environments or building new concepts is highly regarded.
• Experience in managing conferences and events within a hospitality setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a high-performing culinary team in a new luxury hotel.
• Design and deliver innovative, seasonal menus and dining concepts.
• Champion local produce, supplier partnerships and sustainable practices.
• Ensure exceptional food quality, presentation and consistency across outlets.
• Foster a collaborative kitchen culture and mentor staff.
• Manage food costs, labour, inventory and compliance requirements.
• Partner with hotel leadership to create memorable guest experiences.

Skills

Executive leadership

Menu design

Local produce sourcing

Food cost management

Team development

Kitchen operations

Compliance & safety

Pre-opening experience

Events management

Education

Hospitality degree or equivalent

Job description

Crystalbrook Collection is preparing to open the doors to Crystalbrook Aurora, our new hotel in Canberra and we're seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to help shape its culinary identity from day one.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of a hotel opening, where your creativity, leadership and vision will influence the guest experience, build team culture and establish the reputation of one of Canberra's most anticipated hospitality destinations. Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead all kitchen operations, inspiring your team to deliver exceptional food, fostering a positive culture and driving commercial performance across the business.

At Crystalbrook, we believe food should be thoughtful, generous and connected to place. We champion responsible luxury, local producers, bold ideas and dining experiences that feel fresh, distinctive and memorable.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing culinary team
• Design and deliver innovative, seasonal menus and dining concepts
• Champion local produce, supplier partnerships and sustainable practices
• Ensure exceptional food quality, presentation and consistency
• Foster a collaborative and positive kitchen culture
• Manage food costs, labour, inventory and compliance requirements
• Partner with hotel leaders to create memorable guest experiences

About You

You are an experienced culinary leader who combines creativity with commercial acumen and thrives in a dynamic hotel environment.

You'll bring:

• Experience as an Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a premium hotel or dining environment
• Proven leadership skills with a passion for developing teams
• A strong appreciation for local produce, seasonality and elevated dining experiences
• Sound commercial capability across food cost management, rostering and kitchen performance
• Experience in pre-opening environments or building new concepts will be highly regarded
• Experience in managing conferences and events will be highly regarded
• A collaborative approach and ability to work effectively across departments
• A commitment to safety, compliance and sustainability

Why Crystalbrook?

Crystalbrook Collection is one of Australia's leading independent hospitality groups, known for distinctive hotels, restaurants and bars that deliver locally inspired experiences through responsible luxury.

We celebrate individuality, encourage fresh thinking and create environments where great people can do their best work.

The Benefits

• 50% F&B discount across all Crystalbrook restaurants and bars
• $99 room rates and a generous friends and family discount
• Enhanced parental Leave and lifestyle benefits
• A commitment to a green future through enhanced sustainability practices
• Access to our internal mobility program and team reward schemes
• Online learning and training platforms and tailored career development pathways
• A culture of collaboration, elevating experiences and diversity
• Limitless career opportunities in a fast growing, dynamic environment
• Regular service recognition and team engagement events

What You Can Expect

• The opportunity to help bring Canberra's newest luxury hotel to life
• A highly visible leadership role with genuine influence and creative freedom
• Support from an experienced hotel and group leadership team
• Career development opportunities across a growing collection
• A values-led culture built on collaboration, courage and individuality

Crystalbrook Collection is an award-winning hotel development and management company, proudly showcasing Australia's newest portfolio of distinctive upscale hotels, restaurants and bars where differences are applauded. We are proud to foster a workplace that supports equality, inclusion and accessibility. We welcome applications from all genders, ages, backgrounds, cultures and religions.