Job Description
Client Profile
Our client is an award-winning luxury hospitality operator recognised for delivering exceptional accommodation, refined dining and memorable guest experiences. Located within one of Victoria's most celebrated food and wine regions, the property has earned a reputation for culinary excellence, thoughtful service and a genuine connection to local producers. With ambitious plans for continued growth, this is an opportunity to join a business committed to setting the benchmark for regional luxury hospitality.
Job Description
An exceptional opportunity exists for an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary direction of this distinguished destination. This is a genuine hands-on leadership role, balancing creative excellence with operational performance across multiple food and beverage offerings.
Working closely with the leadership team, you will oversee an acclaimed restaurant while delivering exceptional culinary experiences for luxury weddings, private events and residential conferences. You will inspire and mentor your brigade, champion seasonal menus and work collaboratively with local producers to create an authentic sense of place.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all culinary operations across premium dining, weddings, conferences and special events.
- Develop seasonal menus showcasing exceptional local produce and regional provenance.
- Mentor and develop a high-performing kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
- Drive financial performance through effective food cost management, labour planning and operational efficiency.
- Maintain uncompromising standards across food quality, presentation, safety and consistency.
- Collaborate with local suppliers and the property's kitchen garden to deliver an evolving, produce-led dining experience.
Candidate Profile
You are an accomplished Executive Chef or an established Head Chef ready to lead a sophisticated culinary operation. With experience gained in hatted, Michelin-recognised or other premium dining environments, you combine refined culinary expertise with the operational capability to lead diverse service styles without compromising quality.
Equally confident leading a busy restaurant service or delivering exceptional large-scale events, you are an inspiring people leader who thrives in a hands-on environment and understands the importance of creating memorable guest experiences.
You will demonstrate:
- Executive Chef or significant Head Chef experience within premium restaurants, luxury hotels or destination venues.
- A background in hatted or Michelin-recognised kitchens, with an unwavering commitment to culinary excellence.
- Experience delivering premium events, weddings or high-volume functions alongside refined restaurant service.
- Strong commercial acumen with proven success managing labour, food costs and operational performance.
- A passion for seasonal produce, menu innovation and building meaningful relationships with local suppliers.
- Outstanding leadership skills with the ability to mentor, develop and inspire high-performing teams.
- Confidence engaging with guests, VIPs and stakeholders as an ambassador for the culinary offering.
Offer
This is a rare opportunity to influence the culinary direction of one of Victoria's most respected luxury hospitality destinations. Offering genuine creative autonomy and the support of an experienced leadership team, the role provides the platform to build upon an already established reputation while helping shape the next chapter of an exceptional regional dining destination.
A highly competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate, commensurate with experience and capability.
To learn more about this role, submit your CV or contact Lee via lee@hastingspeople.com.au for a confidential discussion.
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