Rydges Geelong 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 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..
About the Role
Rydges Geelong is on the hunt for a passionate and driven Executive Chef, this could be a great role for an experienced head chef or a senior sous chef looking for a step up. Overseeing a small, dedicated team, you'll be responsible for delivering exceptional food experiences across both our restaurant and conference & events spaces. This is a hands-on leadership role where your flair for menu innovation, operational excellence, and team development will shine.
Skills & Experience
• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef ready to step into a leadership role.
• Strong background in hotel kitchens, with exposure to both restaurant and conference & events (C&E) operations.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to manage and inspire a small team.
• Creative and confident in developing seasonal menus, and delivering a casual menu offering to guest.
• Skilled in managing food and labour costs, including rostering and cost of goods (COGs) control.
• Understanding of C&E catering for small-scale events such as corporate functions, awards nights, and occasional weddings.
• Ability to identify opportunities to grow in-room dining (IRD) and bar revenue streams.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with a focus on quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the kitchen team to consistently deliver high-quality food across all hotel outlets, including the restaurant, buffet breakfast, and conference & events.
• Ensure all kitchen operations run smoothly by effectively rostering staff, managing labour costs, and maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and F&B team on menu development, ensuring offerings are seasonal, cost-effective, and aligned with the hotel's casual dining direction.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and OH&S standards, ensuring a clean and safe working environment at all times.
• Oversee stock rotation, inventory control, and the efficient use of supplies to minimise waste and control food costs.
• Supervise and support the kitchen brigade, delegating tasks appropriately and fostering a productive, team-oriented culture.
• Monitor and maintain the functionality and cleanliness of all kitchen equipment and workspaces.
• Stay up to date with culinary trends and incorporate innovative ideas into menus to enhance the guest experience.
• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff, conducting regular performance reviews and ensuring ongoing skills development.
• Represent the kitchen professionally in all interdepartmental communications and contribute to the overall success of the hotel's food and beverage operations.
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.
• Local community involvement, volunteering and charitable giving.
• Australia and NZ's largest and most diverse experiences company
Join Rydges Geelong 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.
When you click apply, you'll be taken to our secure EVT careers portal (powered by Dayforce). This is our official system for managing applications across the EVT Group. You'll simply enter your details and answer a few quick screening questions so we can get to know you better.