The opportunity
Delaware North Australia is hiring a full-time Executive Chef to join our team at Victoria Racing Club (VRC) as part of our new partnership, where Delaware North will support year-round hospitality. As Executive Chef, you'll be a cornerstone of the transition team, mobilising people, menus, and operations so we're ready to launch from 01 April.
You'll set the culinary vision across race‑day hospitality, member lounges, premium restaurants, retail and large‑scale functions, bringing creativity, precision, and show‑stopping guest experiences from day one.
What we offer
This is a chance to shape an iconic culinary program from the ground up. You'll have the freedom to innovate, the platform of a marquee partnership with VRC, and the thrill of delivering at one of Australia's most celebrated venues. Bring your vision, and watch it come to life at speed.
What will you do?
* Lead the mobilisation: build transition plans, kitchen SOPs, and readiness checklists to ensure a seamless start to our contract
* Design the culinary program: craft seasonal race‑day menus, premium dining offerings, and bespoke event concepts that showcase excellence in modern cuisine
* Own excellence end‑to‑end: standards for food quality, plating, speed of service, allergen management, HACCP compliance, and safety across multiple outlets
* Run the numbers: drive food cost, yield, and P&L performance; build supplier partnerships; implement waste‑reduction and sustainability initiatives
* Inspire the brigade: recruit, train, and coach teams; set culture, cadence, and performance—especially through the transition period
* Partner with stakeholders: collaborate with VRC operations, events, and front‑of‑house leaders to deliver unforgettable race‑day and corporate experiences
More about you
* An inspiring culinary leader with a strong pedigree and a well‑known reputation—you shine in front of guests and clients, bring confidence and charisma to every interaction, and make people genuinely excited to work with you
* A proven Executive Chef (or Senior Head Chef) with large‑venue, premium events and multi‑outlet experience, ideally including mobilisation and transition projects
* A portfolio that blends culinary creativity with operational discipline: menu engineering, cost controls, supplier management, and food safety leadership
* A team‑builder and culture‑setter who coaches leaders, elevates standards, and thrives in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments
* A collaborative communicator who partners seamlessly with operations and client stakeholders to deliver at scale
Who we are
Victorian Racing Club (VRC) is Melbourne's leader in racing and event entertainment, combining 185 years of racing heritage with modern event excellence. Based at Flemington Racecourse, VRC delivers a world-class blend of sport, fashion and celebration. The VRC hosts 25 race meetings each year and anchors the Melbourne Cup Carnival across four signature days: Victoria Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Stakes Day. With more than 30,000 members, the VRC delivers an unrivalled experience at every touchpoint. Flemington Racecourse also accommodates major outdoor events of up to 60,000 guests, as well as premium indoor conferences.
At Delaware North, you'll love where you work, who you work with, and how your day unfolds. Whether it's in sporting venues, casinos, airports, national parks, iconic hotels, or premier restaurants, there's no telling where your career can ultimately take you. We empower you to do great work in a company with 100 years of success, stability and growth. If you have drive and enjoy the thrill of making things happen - share our vision and grow with us.
Delaware North Companies, Incorporated and its subsidiaries consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Delaware North is an equal opportunity employer.