Rydges Melbourne 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

As the Banquets Head Chef at Rydges Melbourne you will take oversight of all conference and events at the hotel. The hotel offers multiple event spaces from intimate meetings and private dinners to large-scale conferences, corporate events, and weddings, our versatile venues cater to every occasion. Including the state-of-the-art Centre Stage function room, the light-filled Meeting Place, or the Bossley rooftop This is a hands-on leadership role where creativity meets precision, you’ll work closely with the Exec Chef to deliver exceptional events that go beyond the guest’s expectation.

You will oversee all aspects of banquets kitchen operations, from menu innovation and planning to maintaining the highest standards of food quality and presentation. Driving a culture of excellence through the team, you’ll mentor and inspire to execute consistency and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.

Skills & Experience

• 3+ years’ experience as a Head Chef with a background ideally in hotels, catering or events.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to manage, lead and inspire a team.
• Creative and confident in developing menus and identifying and implementing opportunities to drive revenue growth.
• A strong background in managing food and labour costs, including rostering and cost of goods (COGs) control.
• Strong organisational, collaboration and communication skills, with a focus on quality, delivery, consistency, and guest satisfaction.
• Detail orientated to maintain product consistency and deliver high standards across all functions.
• The ability to manage multiple events at once and deliver through others.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team to consistently deliver high-quality food across the restaurant, bar and breakfast services.
• Ensure all kitchen operations run smoothly by effectively rostering staff, managing labour costs, and maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
• Collaborate with the Exec Chef and F& B team on menu development, ensuring offerings are seasonal, cost-effective, and aligned with the hotel’s 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 the team 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.