Executive Chef | Rydges Hunter Valley

About EVT:

Rydges Hunter Valley is part of EVT, one of Australasia's market-leading experience creators offering careers that can take you wherever you want to go across entertainment, ventures, and travel. In a world of cookie cutter experiences, here at EVT we believe in changing the game. It's why we all call ourselves Daymakers - because each day is a chance to add the wow factor for our customers and continually grow in our own careers.

About the Property:

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley sits in Lovedale, in the heart of the Lower Hunter wine country near Cessnock, about two and a half hours' drive from Sydney. The resort is set around an 18-hole golf course, with tennis and basketball courts, a gym, and both family and adults-only pools. Guests can enjoy tours and tastings at the on-site microbrewery and whiskey distillery, and casual dining at Lovedale Bar + Grill. The resort also has a full-service day spa. With weddings, conferences and events alongside restaurant dining, it's a busy, varied kitchen operation in one of Australia's best-known wine regions.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead, inspire and develop a culinary team of up to 65 chefs, cooks and kitchen hands, including hiring, rostering, training and succession planning across every outlet
- Oversee high-volume, multi-stream food production across restaurant dining, conferencing, weddings and major functions, approving all food that leaves the kitchen
- Plan and deliver seasonal menus that balance quality, consistency, guest expectations and commercial outcomes
- Own food cost, labour, portion and waste targets, managing purchasing,



stock control and supplier relationships
- Uphold the highest standards of food safety, allergen management, hygiene and kitchen safety
- Partner closely with the F&B; Manager, outlet supervisors and front-of-house teams to deliver seamless service

What You'll Bring

- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a high-volume hotel, resort or large-scale events operation
- Formal culinary qualifications (e.g. Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent)
- Robust leadership skills with a track record of building and developing multi-level kitchen brigades
- Commercial acumen, including budgeting, food and labour cost control, and waste management
- Deep knowledge of food safety, allergen management and WHS compliance
- Flexibility to respond to changing occupancy, dietary requirements and event demands, including weekends and peak periods

How You Work

- Daymaker ethos - no one's too big for the small things.
- Hands-on and non-hierarchical - leads from the front.
- Owner's mindset - acts on data/feedback; ships improvements.
- Growth mindset - learns, shares, and levels up others.

Perks from Day One

As part of EVT, you unlock Elevate Perks from your first day. Parity for all levels - no ivory towers.

- 50% off dining and stays across EVT hotels – QT, Rydges, Atura, LyLo and more.
- $2 movie tickets + discounts on Gold Class, Moonlight Cinema and Candy Bar.
- Seasonal perks at Thredbo.
- Rapid career growth across our hotel & entertainment network.
- Paid parental leave; community & volunteering opportunities.

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📌 Executive Chef - Rydges Resort Hunter Valley (Abernethy)
🏢 EVT - Entertainment | Ventures | Travel
📍 Abernethy