Executive Chef - Flagstaff Gardens Hotel

EVT Limited; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discount

Movie ticket discounts

Seasonal perks at Thredbo

Career growth

Parental leave

Pre-opening team experience

Job summary

EVT Limited is launching a brand new gastropub as part of the pre-opening team for Rydges Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne. We seek an Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations for the gastropub, conferences, events, in-room dining and private dining.

You will partner with the General Manager and Area Executive Chef to shape the concept, design the menu, set up the kitchen, and establish the operational structure.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience as Head Chef or similar senior leadership role.
• Experience leading culinary teams in gastropubs, bistros, premium casual venues or hotels.
• Strong financial management skills, including P&L accountability and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations across the new gastropub, conferences and events, in-room dining and private dining.
• Collaborate with GM and Area Exec Chef to shape and launch the new restaurant concept, including menu design and kitchen setup.
• Develop innovative menus aligned with trends, guest expectations and EVT standards.
• Own the kitchen P&L, manage budgets, purchasing, wastage and stock control.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing culinary team including recruitment and rostering.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and WHS standards and respond to guest feedback.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu design

P&L ownership

Budget control

Team development

Food safety

Staff recruitment

Guest experience

Job description

Proudly owned and operated in Australia and New Zealand, Rydges offers refreshingly local stays in city, regional and resort-style hotels. We're not just in the neighbourhood, we're part of it. Every hotel is designed for ease, connection and quality. From check-in to check-out, our local heroes bring a can-do attitude and "too easy" service. Whether it's for work or a well-earned break, our place feels like home with the charm of somewhere new. Join us to help make every moment memorable.

Rydges Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne is undergoing an exciting transformation, with a full refurbishment of all 188 guest rooms, the lobby and the food and beverage offering, due for completion in December 2026. Opposite Flagstaff Gardens and next to Queen Victoria Market, the hotel will launch a brand new 106 seat gastropub. As our pre-opening Executive Chef, you'll help shape it from day one.

EVT has an endless range of roles and careers paths to explore across over 140 entertainment experiences like Event Cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas, 150 award winning restaurants and bars, and 80+ hotels, including QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo, Independent Collection and Australia's most loved year round alpine resort, Thredbo. Our ventures include a ~$2.3B property portfolio and hotel management, just to name a few. Once you're in, there's no limits on where your career could take you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations across the new gastropub, conferences and events, in-room dining and the private dining room, ensuring consistent quality, presentation and service readiness
• Partner with the General Manager and Area Executive Chef to shape and launch the new restaurant concept, including menu design, kitchen set up and operational structure
• Develop innovative menus that align 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, including recruitment, rostering, training and succession planning
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety standards, and respond professionally to guest feedback

What You'll Bring

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Head Chef or in a comparable senior leadership role
• Experience leading culinary teams within a gastropub, bistro, premium casual dining venue or hotel environment
• Strong financial management skills, including P&L accountability, budgeting, labour management and cost control
• Demonstrated success in developing menus and driving food quality standards
• A strong understanding of current culinary and hospitality trends
• Proven people leadership, coaching and team development experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Availability to work a flexible rotating roster, including weekends, evenings and public holidays

How You Work

• Daymaker ethos — no one's too big for the small things.
• Owner's mindset — acts on data/feedback; ships improvements.
• Hands-on and non-hierarchical — leads from the front.
• Resilient and solutions-focused — stays calm, moves fast.

Perks from Day One

As part of EVT, you unlock Elevate Perks from your first day. Parity for all levels - no ivory towers.

• 50% off dining and stays across EVT hotels – QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo and more.
• $2 movie tickets + discounts on Gold Class, Moonlight Cinema and Candy Bar.
• Seasonal perks at Thredbo.
• Rapid career growth across our hotel & entertainment network.
• Paid parental leave; community & volunteering opportunities.
• A rare chance to be part of the pre-opening team for a brand new gastropub concept.