Culinary Manager

Company Description

Join our dynamic team at Novotel Melbourne Preston, where passion for exceptional cuisine meets outstanding guest experiences. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Culinary Manager / Executive Chef to lead our kitchen operations and oversee front-of-house services, ensuring seamless coordination and top-tier quality.

As Culinary Manager / Executive Chef, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of our culinary offerings and front-of-house coordination. Your leadership will drive culinary excellence, innovative menu development, and exceptional guest service, fostering a vibrant and efficient workplace.

Located in Melbourne's vibrant inner-north, we are a leading conference venue and leisure destination offering contemporary accommodation, stylish dining, and versatile event spaces in the heart of Preston. With 383 guest rooms, 13 conference and event venues, and two on-site dining outlets, our property caters to both corporate and leisure clients.

Easily accessible via the 86 tram and Mernda train line—both within walking distance—and with over 400 on-site parking spaces, our property is ideally positioned. We pride ourselves on delivering professional service, memorable experiences, and flexible solutions to meet the evolving needs of our diverse clientele.

Job Description

• Work in conjunction with Food & Beverage Management and Sales & Marketing teams to ensure execution of high-quality products and services.
• Coordinate and manage kitchen administration, kitchen operations, restaurant service, room service, bar service and conferencing operations in the Hotel while maximizing profitability and exceeding customer needs.
• Assume overall leadership and responsibility for the cost-effective management of the Kitchen and Food & Beverage team to maximize profitability.
• Oversee food preparation, production, and menu implementation to deliver innovative and safe dishes that exceed customer expectations while adhering to budget guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service flow and guest satisfaction.
• Monitor service quality, handle guest feedback, and implement improvements.
• Train, mentor, and develop staff to maintain a motivated and skilled team.
• Maintain a positive and professional work environment.
• Maintain Health & Safety standards in the kitchen and food & beverage outlets.

Qualifications

What we are looking for…

• 3+ years of proven experience as a Culinary Manager or Executive Chef in a Hotel environment.
• A strong creative vision with a meticulous eye for detail, while staying trend-aware, adaptable, and innovative in bringing a unique spin to culinary concepts.
• Commercially astute, with demonstrated success in managing food and labor costs, supplier partnerships, and kitchen operations within budget.
• Skilled in training, mentoring, and inspiring diverse teams, fostering a positive, engaged, and respectful workplace culture.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to collaborate effectively with front-of-house, events, marketing, and senior leadership to deliver a seamless guest experience.

Full Australian work rights are a requirement for this role as we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Additional Information

What we offer

• Free on-site car park
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates at Accor hotels worldwide.
• Develop your talent through Accor's learning programs.
• Opportunity to grow within your property and across the world
• Ability to contribute to the community and make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) activities.

Our Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion

We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent. Any opportunity within our community to adapt and develop our processes to embrace others is encouraged.

"Why work for Accor?

We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor's limitless possibilities.

By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo #BELIMITLESS"