4 Executive Chefs jobs in Australia

Yamagen is part of EVT - and being a part of EVT means believing in changing the game. Why? Because no one wants ordinary. If you're seeking to be part of the kind of wow-factor moments you can help shape, then you've come to the right place. 

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 QT 

QT Hotels & Resorts is EVT’s premium lifestyle hotel brand, with locations in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Pioneers behind the philosophy of ‘expect the unexpected’, every property delivers an experience that combines local influence with QT’s signature quirk. And our people? With personalities as diverse as each property, individuality is more than encouraged.   

Woven into the city’s fabric, QT Melbourne is at the heart of the CBD’s cultural beat. Want to come into our fold? Show us your service-minded side and help keep luxury evolving across 188 industrial inspired rooms and signature dining at our award-winning restaurant, Yamagen. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got. 

About Yamagen 

Step into Yamagen. Cool and casual izakaya drink and dine vibe folded with formidable culinary discipline; this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. Glossy enamel black finishes frame eye-catching details.  Our Whisky list is a towering narrative of character, written by refined Japanese distilleries. Sip from a select saké collection and sample curious cocktails in this low-lit showcase of Tokyo chic. 

From kitchen and bar, tradition and invention are hand-rolled with market-fresh sashimi and intricate sushi sensations. Indulge your guests with delectable share plates, shimi over and enjoy dishes from our live fuel robata, or bow to the formidable technique of Executive Chef Adam Lane for a tantalising Omakase experience. 

About the role 

We are seeking a motivated, talented, vibrant and dynamic Head Chef to bring expertise, attention to detail and creativity to our high-energy, fast-paced & award-winning restaurant Yamagen. The ideal candidate will have a "team-first" attitude, a passion for culinary excellence, and the drive to succeed in this dynamic industry.

We are after a fun loving, dedicated professional who would embrace the opportunity to work for Australia's leading designer hotel brand. If you have the skills, creativity, and dedication to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you! 

Position Overview 

The Head Chef challenges our expectations and brings new and exciting ideas to create exceptional guest experiences across our amazing spaces.  

They will effectively manage and co-ordinate the production of food all areas of the hotel and maximises profitability. They maintain and approve the quality of all prepared food items that leaves the kitchen and is ultimately responsible for the day to day running of all kitchen activities. 

Key responsibilities 

• Direct, supervise and assist colleagues to ensure a high level of productivity and service standard within the department at all times. 

• Support and actively cultivate an environment of positive service within the department to ultimately achieve a level of service quality that consistently meets and exceeds the expectations of guests and team members. 

• Present a standard of food that consistently meets and exceeds the expectations of patrons. 

• Take effective action to resolve any problems to prevent and/or address complaints. 

• Guarantee that all foods are stored and prepared in a safe and hygienic matter. 

• Assures that all sections and staff are prepared and ready for service. 

• Anticipate and attend to guests culinary needs and desires immediately. 

• Recruit, train and develop Kitchen team members, including regular performance evaluations and appraisals. 

• Liaise with Chefs, Food & Beverage Managers and Outlet Supervisors to ensure a smooth running operation. 

• Monitor stock rotation in all storage facilities. 

• Have full knowledge of and practice the hotel’s established occupational health and safety guidelines (OH&S). 

• Create, distribute and manage departmental roster effectively ensuring that strategies and practices are in place to facilitate the efficient and effective staffing for the department such that financial and service targets are achieved. 

• Control departmental expenses within set targets. 

• Effective organisational communication with other departments. 

• Actively stay up to date with hotel and EVT information, objectives, policies and procedures and ensure to communicate any and all of these updates or changes to the team and/or or affected departments/parties. 

• Ensure all incidents, injuries and hazards are reported, reviewed and preventative/corrective measures are taken. 

• Be a brand ambassador for the hotel as well as EVT. 

• Passionate about the process of procuring, preparing, cooking and serving of food. 

• Ability to guide, coach and mentor their juniors while maintaining an amicable atmosphere in the kitchen. 

• Creativity is key in this role.

Experience/Skills

• 3 years experience in a similar style Japanese restaurant 

• Skill set: Sushi sashimi (base) master 

  
  

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. 
• Rapid career growth opportunities through our EVT network. 

Be part of a landmark hotel opening in one of Victoria's most exciting waterfront destinations!
In partnership with Plenary Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is bringing its world-class Crowne Plaza brand to the Victorian regional city of Geelong. Scheduled to open in early 2026, Crowne Plaza Geelong will redefine premium accommodation, offering a sophisticated stay for both leisure and corporate travellers. It will form part of the highly anticipated Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct, a transformative development featuring a 1,000-seat convention centre, exhibition spaces, and a vibrant retail and hospitality hub. Located in the heart of the emerging precinct, this 200-room hotel will feature spacious suites, an extensive restaurant and bar offering, pool, gym, and meeting facilities.
The moment a guest steps into one of our hotels, they walk into a genuinely memorable experience. To create this, we're looking for an Executive Chef to join our pre-opening team. As Executive Chef you'll establish and direct all kitchen activities in the lead up to hotel opening (and beyond!), ensuring the department operates smoothly and helping create memorable experiences for guests - whenever and wherever they dine. The Hotel will consist of three Food & Beverage outlets including: 120-seat all day dining restaurant & 50-seat hotel bar, 24-seat lobby café and a 90-seat rooftop bar.
**A little taste of your day-to-day**
Every day is different, but as part of the pre-opening team, you will play a key role in:
+ Developing menus that align with the hotel's concept, target audience, and culinary vision, creating diverse menus for various outlets such as restaurants, bars, room service, and banquet facilities.
+ Overseeing the setup and organisation of the kitchen facilities, including designing the layout, selecting equipment, sourcing ingredients, and ensuring that all necessary permits and certifications are in place.
+ Hiring and training of kitchen team including sous chefs, line cooks and stewards.
+ Conduct menu testing and tasting sessions to fine-tune recipes, adjust portion sizes, and ensure consistency in flavor and presentation.
+ Identifying and establishing relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that deliveries are in line with quality standards and budgetary constraints.
+ Procuring all necessary equipment, ensuring equipment is properly installed and in working order before opening.
+ Maintain rigorous quality control standards to ensure that all dishes meet the hotel's culinary standards and guest expectations, conducting regular inspections, monitoring food safety protocols, and addressing any issues that may arise.
+ Work with the management team to establish pricing strategies for food and beverage items that are competitive yet profitable.
+ Collaborate closely with other departments, such as food & beverage, events, and front office, to ensure seamless operations, communicating Kitchen needs and requirements effectively to other teams.
+ Manage day-to-day staffing needs, plan and assign work and establish performance and development goals for team members. Provide mentoring, coaching and regular feedback.
+ Help prepare annual departmental operating budget and financial plans.
+ Foster positive stakeholder relationships if applicable and assist in providing ongoing information and status reports.
**What we need from you**
+ Relevant degree or diploma in culinary arts.
+ 5 years' experience as a chef with at least one year in a Head or Executive Chef capacity.
+ A demonstrated capability of collaborating with multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities across multiple and diverse outlets.
+ Strong communication skills and passionate about developing your team.
+ Strategic thinking, the ability to explore new ways of working and have an open mind around how we can drive the Hotel forward.
+ Must be fluent in English and other languages preferred.
+ Full working rights in Australia without restrictions.
**What you can expect from us**
We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life - including a impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business.
Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.
At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We firmly believe that all our colleagues deserve to be treated equally and have the same opportunities to develop and grow their skills within our business and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and colleagues without regard to an individual's, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or familial status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Set to open following a multi-million-dollar transformation, the hotel will redefine coastal luxury when it debuts in late 2025. Perfectly positioned on Sydney's iconic beachfront, the reimagined hotel will offer 198 elegantly designed rooms and suites, many with uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views, alongside an ocean-facing infinity pool, luxury cabanas, and a vibrant leisure deck. Guests can look forward to an elevated arrival experience, immersive coastal dining celebrating seasonal local produce, and a redefined wellness sanctuary. With state-of-the-art event spaces including a Grand Ballroom, the hotel blends soulful escapes and meaningful connection with refined coastal elegance - setting a new benchmark for beachfront hospitality in Australia.
**About the Role**
We are looking for a truly passionate, creative Executive Chef for the newly refurbished property located on the foreshore of Sydney's iconic Coogee Beach. The role will have creative and operational management of the culinary operations of the hotel's main restaurant (Restaurant & Bar), club lounge, In-room dining, Banquets, pool bar culinary operations and employee canteen. You will aim to consistently provide a creative, high quality and profitable dining experience in line with the vision of the hotel's Restaurants & Bars.
**A little taste of your day-to-day**
The responsibilities of this role may include but will not be limited to the following
+ Deliver an impeccable dining experiences, through the production of quality food preparation, taste & presentation across multiple outlets and dining experiences.
+ Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food prep, cooking in service and plating
+ Create and update menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, current trends, and customer preferences
+ Create special event menus that enhance the dining experience
+ Interact with guests to gather feedback and enhance their dining experience
+ Communicate across departments and ensure your team work effectively without negatively impacting the guest experience
+ Ensure optimum ordering of food stock & accurate stock take
+ Monitor food costs and implement measures to control expenses
+ Effective systems of quality control for kitchen operations & food safety
+ Supervise kitchen team in a large, luxury, or resort hotel overseeing multiple outlets including restaurants, bar, in-room dining and banquet facilities with capacity to cater to more than 500 people
+ Ensure rosters are managed cost effectively & the kitchen is resourced to meet the needs of the business
+ Training, coaching and development of team members to expand and enhance in-house skill sets
+ Report on business performance when required in line with the organisation's finance and reporting systems
+ Ensure compliance with all food safety and hygiene regulations and conduct regular inspections and audits to maintain high standards
+ Complete forecasts, plans, and departmental production reports and help prepare the hotel's annual budget and the setting of departmental goals
+ Develop your team and improve their performance through coaching and feedback, and create performance and development goals for colleagues - recognise good performance
+ Recommend or initiate any HR elated actions where needed
+ Create, maintain and foster a safe work environment at all times where our team feels empowered and engaged.
+ Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.
**What we need from you**
+ Full working rights in Australia without restrictions (a kind reminder sponsorship is not available for this role)
+ Minimum 2-3 years leading a commercial kitchen including restaurant service, banquet operations from meetings to wedding and large social events, in-room dining and pool bar service;
+ Proven success leading and motivating a high performing kitchen team
+ Qualifications including a diploma in Commercial Cookery is essential
+ Understanding of food standards
+ Mandatory certifications include Food Safety Certificate and First Aid.
+ Experience with kitchen management, rostering and time and attendance systems
+ Ongoing availability to work flexibly as rostered, including nights, weekends and public holidays
+ An organised approach, ability to handle pressure and effective management skills
+ Physical fitness as you'll be on your feet most of the day. Sometimes you'll need to lift, push and pull objects, such as tables, up to 23 kg - we have the equipment to support you and keep you safe.
+ Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
+ Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
**What you can expect from us**
We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life - including laundry for business attire, impressive room discounts, competitive products & services discounts program and some of the best training in the business.
Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
IHG gives every member of the team the room they need to belong, grow and make a difference in a collaborative environment. We know that to work well, we need to feel well - both inside and outside of work - and through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace.
So, join us and you will become part of our ever-growing global family.
We are proud to be IHG and we know you will be too. Visit to find out more about us.
**Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.**
Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.
At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We firmly believe that all our colleagues deserve to be treated equally and have the same opportunities to develop and grow their skills within our business and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and colleagues without regard to an individual's, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or familial status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.