EXECUTIVE CHEF
JOB SUMMARY
Inspired by the Sydney lifestyle and surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Pier One Sydney Harbour offers distinctive culinary experiences within a contemporary lifestyle hotel setting.
We are seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to shape the culinary future of one of Australia’s leading lifestyle hotels. This is a strategic leadership position responsible for creating culinary experiences that are unmistakably Pier One, bringing together Sydney’s waterfront lifestyle, exceptional local produce, memorable guest experiences, and strong commercial outcomes.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will lead the culinary operation across restaurants, bars, in-room dining, events, weddings, banquets, and catering. The successful candidate will be as strong in leadership, culture, commercial performance, and innovation as they are in culinary execution.
Above all, we are seeking a curator of experiences, not simply a creator of food.
CORE WORK ACTIVITIES
Culinary Leadership and Innovation
- Define and deliver a distinctive culinary vision that reflects Pier One’s waterfront location, lifestyle positioning, and sense of place.
- Lead all kitchen operations across a complex, multi-venue environment, ensuring consistent food quality, presentation, and execution.
- Develop innovative menus, signature experiences, seasonal activations, and waterfront dining concepts that strengthen Pier One as a destination.
- Maintain a strong operational presence, leading from the front and setting clear standards for quality, service, and professionalism.
Culture, Leadership and Talent Development
- Build a positive, professional, and high-performing kitchen culture founded on trust, respect, accountability, and pride.
- Coach, empower, and inspire culinary leaders and associates while creating clear accountability throughout the operation.
- Identify and develop future leaders through meaningful training, succession planning, and career development.
- Recognise strong performance, address concerns early, and create an environment where culinary talent can grow and succeed.
Guest Experience and Executive Collaboration
- Create memorable culinary experiences that build an emotional connection with guests and bring the Pier One story to life.
- Actively engage with guests and use feedback to continuously improve quality and the overall dining experience.
- Contribute as a collaborative member of the Executive Leadership Team, supporting the hotel’s vision, business plan, guest experience strategy, and culture.
- Partner with Food and Beverage, Sales, Marketing, Events, Revenue, Finance, Human Resources, and Operations to achieve hotel objectives.
Commercial and Strategic Performance
- Take ownership of culinary budgets, forecasts, labour productivity, food costs, purchasing, menu engineering, and profitability.
- Balance creativity and culinary ambition with commercial discipline and operational practicality.
- Align production and staffing levels with business demand while maintaining quality and productivity.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, generate revenue, and strengthen the overall financial performance of the culinary operation.
Operational Excellence, Sustainability and Compliance
- Maintain consistent standards across restaurants, bars, in-room dining, events, weddings, banquets, and catering.
- Champion local sourcing, seasonal produce, responsible procurement, food waste reduction, and sustainable kitchen practices.
- Uphold strict HACCP, food safety, hygiene, workplace safety, and Marriott International standards.
- Ensure culinary associates are appropriately trained in food handling, sanitation, safety procedures, and operational requirements.
PERKS, REWARDS AND MOTIVATION
- Exclusive associate discounts on food, beverage, and hotel accommodation across Marriott International properties for you, your family, and friends.
- Access to internationally recognised leadership programs, strategic development pathways, and long-term career opportunities within Marriott International.
- The opportunity to shape the culinary identity of one of Sydney’s most distinctive waterfront lifestyle hotels.
- Genuine care for associates’ physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Program.
We are not simply looking for the best chef. We are looking for the best culinary leader for Pier One Sydney Harbour.
The Autograph Collection is a growing collection of four and five-star independent hotels, each offering unique and memorable experiences. Each hotel is thoughtfully chosen for its quality, originality, bold character, and ability to offer today’s traveler a range of unique experiences suited to their individual sense of style and adventure. All Autograph Collection hotels look to attract The Individualist, the brand's target consumer. The Individualist is someone who uses travel as an opportunity to add to their personal narrative – in essence they are hand selecting our hotels whether for personal or corporate travel because it is much more than simply a place to rest. In joining Autograph Collection, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work, begin your purpose, belong to an amazing global team, and become the best version of you.
