Executive Chef: Pre-Opening & Culinary Leadership

Ovolo Hotels Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel benefits

Autonomous role with creative license

Job summary

Ovolo Sydney is preparing to open a landmark new dining destination. We are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation from pre-opening through daily service, shaping the guest experience across café, restaurant, bar, all-day dining, in-room dining and events.

You will own the kitchen, set standards, coach the team and drive the culinary vision with a hands-on leadership style, ensuring every plate reflects the Ovolo brand and guest expectations.

Qualifications

• Extensive Executive Chef experience within luxury hotel or premium hospitality.
• Proven ability to lead a kitchen team and deliver high-quality guest dining experiences.
• Experience driving pre-opening culinary concepts and brand standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary pre-opening journey from concept to launch.
• Develop and deliver menus across café, restaurant, bar, and events.
• Create recipes, SOPs, presentation standards and kitchen operating procedures.
• Lead tastings, supplier engagement and premium product sourcing.
• Mentor and develop chefs, build a high-performing kitchen team.
• Manage food costs, labour productivity and kitchen profitability.

Skills

Executive Chef experience

Leadership

Menu development

Pre-opening experience

Staff development

Job description

Ovolo Sydney is preparing to open a landmark new dining destination. We are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation from pre-opening through daily service, shaping the guest experience across café, restaurant, bar, all-day dining, in-room dining and events.

You will own the kitchen, set standards, coach the team and drive the culinary vision with a hands-on leadership style, ensuring every plate reflects the Ovolo brand and guest expectations.