A career in hospitality with one of Australasia’s leading experience creators is calling for a passionate and skilled Sous Chef. At Rydges Canberra, we believe in changing the game, creating moments that make a difference for our guests and our team. If you are a culinary professional with two to three years of experience as a Sous Chef in hotels, restaurants, or bistros, and you thrive in a fast paced kitchen environment where quality and creativity are celebrated, this role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team and shape exceptional dining experiences. You will work closely with the Head Chef to oversee all kitchen operations, from maintaining the highest culinary standards to managing food and labour costs. This is a role for someone who leads from the front, embraces the Daymaker ethos, and wants to grow with a company that offers endless career pathways across entertainment, ventures, and travel.
Company Overview
Rydges Canberra is part of EVT, a market leading creator of experiences across entertainment, ventures, and travel. With over 80 hotels, 150 restaurants and bars, and 140 entertainment venues, EVT offers a world of opportunity for those who want to make a lasting impact. Rydges is known for refreshingly local stays, where every hotel is designed for ease, connection, and quality. Here, our team members are Daymakers, bringing a can do attitude and too easy service to everything they do. From day one, you will be part of a community that values authenticity, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain culinary standards by ensuring all hotel kitchens consistently produce high quality food that meets guest expectations and adheres to established recipes and specifications.
- Oversee food safety and hygiene, monitoring food storage, preparation, and rotation to maintain safe, hygienic practices and compliance with WH&S guidelines.
- Manage kitchen operations, including staffing, rostering, and delegation of duties, to ensure smooth and efficient service across all outlets.
- Control costs and resources by achieving financial targets through effective management of food and labour costs, stock rotation, and minimizing waste and spoilage.
- Collaborate across departments by liaising with the Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Manager, and outlet supervisors to coordinate restaurant and banquet functions for seamless operations.
- Deliver exceptional guest service by anticipating and responding promptly to guest needs, resolving any issues or complaints to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Train and develop the team by hiring, supervising, and mentoring kitchen staff, fostering a productive and harmonious environment while maximizing efficiency.
- Maintain equipment and standards by ensuring all kitchen equipment is properly maintained, work areas are clean and functional, and mise en place standards are consistently upheld.
Qualifications
Two to three years of experience as a Sous Chef in hotels, restaurants, or bistros is required. A genuine passion for food and experience across all kitchen sections including grill, pass, and pans is essential. Experience with menu development and creating new dishes is highly valued. A solid understanding of kitchen financials, including labour and food costs, is required. Proven ability to train and develop staff is important. A strong work ethic and commitment to excellence are essential. Candidates must have a hands on, non hierarchical approach and be resilient, solutions focused, and able to stay calm under pressure.
Benefits and Perks
This full time position offers a competitive salary starting from AUD 80,000 plus superannuation. As part of EVT, you will enjoy Elevate Perks from your first day, including 50 percent off dining and stays across EVT hotels such as QT, Rydges, Atura, and LyLo. You will receive $2 movie tickets plus discounts on Gold Class, Moonlight Cinema, and Candy Bar. Seasonal perks at Thredbo are available. Rapid career growth opportunities across the hotel and entertainment network are a hallmark of EVT. Paid parental leave and community and volunteering opportunities are also offered.
How to Apply
If you are ready to lead a passionate kitchen team and create memorable dining experiences, we want to hear from you. Send your CV and a short cover letter. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and review applications as they come in, so don’t wait. Join Rydges Canberra and become an EVT experience creator, opportunity taker, and ultimate Daymaker. Your career can take you wherever you want to go. Apply today to make a positive impact on our people, communities, and environment every day. When you click apply, you will be directed to our secure EVT careers portal to complete a few quick screening questions. We can’t wait to see the places your career will go with EVT.