Rydges Resort Hunter Valley - Head Chef - Lovedale Brewbar

Rydges Hotels & Resorts; Lovedale; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team member discounts

Stays at EVT hotels discount

Movie tickets discounts

Thredbo discounts

Career growth opportunities

Community involvement

Job summary

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is seeking a Head Chef to lead the Lovedale Brewbar kitchen and oversee room service and pool bar operations. You will manage daily kitchen activities and ensure exceptional food quality and timely service in a high-volume setting.

The role requires proven Head Chef experience, strong leadership, and a focus on cost control, staff development, and safe, compliant operations. Weekend and peak period flexibility is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a large or high-volume operation.
• Background in pubs, bistros, hotels or casual dining venues.
• Strong leadership, communication and coaching skills.
• Sound knowledge of food cost control, stock management and kitchen financials.
• Ability to work within established systems while contributing new ideas.
• Resilient and able to perform in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Passion for developing and mentoring team members.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and peak trading periods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team.
• Foster a positive, high-performing kitchen culture.
• Manage rostering, stock control, COGS, labour costs, recruitment, onboarding and training.
• Support team performance and career development.
• Work with the Executive Chef to deliver seasonal menus, specials and promotions.
• Maintain consistency in food quality, presentation and portion control.
• Create menus for events, group dining and peak periods.
• Cater for dietary requirements and guest preferences.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations for Lovedale Brewbar.
• Deliver exceptional food and service during peak trading.
• Partner with Front of House teams to ensure seamless service.
• Monitor workflow and preparation levels.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and safety.
• Lead by example in food safety, hygiene and WHS practices.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Food cost control

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

NSW Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Job description

About EVT

As market-leading experience creators, we bring to life some of the best-known brands and properties in entertainment, ventures, and travel. Our portfolio includes 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 by EVT and Thredbo. Our ventures include a ~$2.3B property portfolio and hotel management, just to name a few.

About Rydges

Proudly Australian & New Zealand owned, Rydges Hotels & Resorts provides a diverse range of elevated city, suburban, and resort-style hotels. From classic charm to sophisticated style, our properties have every detail considered to deliver a refreshingly local experience with exceptional comforts catering to all guests. Join our team of local heroes dedicated to enhancing every guest’s stay.

Located in the heart of Australia’s premier wine region, situated across an enormous slice of pristine countryside. Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is a vibrant 419-room resort an all-encompassing destination for leisure, conferences, and unforgettable events. As home to the award-winning Hunter Valley Conference and Events Centre which caters from 10 to grand celebrations for over 1,100 guests.

At the very centre of New South Wales’ iconic wining and dining destination, you’ll find Rydges Resort Hunter Valley. Our collection of restaurants, bars and cafés all call on local producers and seasonal ingredients – delivering menus to satisfy any craving and suit every occasion.

2025 & 2026 Hunter Valley Legends Awards

Hunter Valley Accommodation Operator of the Year

2025 & 2026 Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence Winner

Best Health & Wellbeing Practices

Position Overview

Lovedale Brewbar is our dynamic, all day dining venue featuring brewery fresh beer, straight from the tank and an elevated menu of delicious pub classics. The Head Chef effectively manages and co-ordinates the production of food for Lovedale Brewbar, Room service and Pool Bar, and is ultimately responsible for the day to day running of the kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team.
• Foster a positive, high-performing kitchen culture.
• Manage rostering, stock control, COGS, labour costs, recruitment, onboarding and training.
• Support team performance and career development.
• Work with the Executive Chef to deliver seasonal menus, specials and promotions.
• Maintain consistency in food quality, presentation and portion control.
• Create menus for events, group dining and peak periods.
• Cater for dietary requirements and guest preferences.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations for Lovedale Brewbar.
• Deliver exceptional food and service during peak trading.
• Partner with Front of House teams to ensure seamless service.
• Monitor workflow and preparation levels.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and safety.
• Lead by example in food safety, hygiene and WHS practices.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a large or high-volume operation.
• Background in pubs, bistros, hotels or casual dining venues.
• Strong leadership, communication and coaching skills.
• Sound knowledge of food cost control, stock management and kitchen financials.
• Ability to work within established systems while contributing new ideas.
• Resilient and able to perform in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Passion for developing and mentoring team members.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and peak trading periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or higher)
• NSW Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Benefits & Perks

• Incredible team member discounts from your first day on-the-job.
• 50% off stays at EVT hotels - Rydges, QT, Atura, Lylo and more.
• $2 movie tickets, plus Moonlight, Gold Class, Candy Bar discounts and more.
• Awesome winter and summer savings and discounts at Thredbo.
• Rapidcareer growth opportunities through our EVT network.
• Local community involvement, volunteering and charitable giving.
• Australia and NZ’s largest and most diverse experiences company.

Join Rydges Resort Hunter Valley and become an EVT experience creator, opportunity taker, the ultimate Daymaker. Join and make a positive impact on our people, communities, and environment every day.

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