About Us Across our four venues – Collegians Wollongong, Figtree, Balgownie, and Illawarra Leagues – we remain committed to delivering memorable dining experiences and exceptional service to every guest. As we continue to grow our food & beverage operations, we are seeking an accomplished culinary leader to join our team and drive excellence across all catering and kitchen functions. The Opportunity As Executive Chef / Catering Director, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational management, and financial performance of all kitchen and catering activities at Collegians RLFC. This role requires a genuine hands-on leader who is visible in the kitchen, leads by example, and works closely with teams across all venues to maintain high culinary and service standards. Success in this role will come from building strong relationships with staff and stakeholders, taking the time to understand the business and its people, and implementing improvements through a measured and collaborative approach. Key accountabilities include: Leading the full culinary function: menu creation, food quality, presentation, and service standards Maintaining a strong operational presence within kitchens and catering operations Managing food cost, labour cost, kitchen budgets, and profitability Developing, mentoring, and supporting kitchen and catering teams Communicating effectively with operational staff, venue management, suppliers, and stakeholders Ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene, workplace health & safety, and licensing requirements Collaborating with leadership teams to maximise revenue opportunities and enhance member and guest experiences Sourcing premium local produce, building supplier partnerships, and maintaining inventory systems Innovating menu concepts aligned with the Collegians brand and community expectations Key Requirements Demonstrated experience as an Executive Chef or senior culinary/catering leader within high-volume hospitality, club, or event environments Proven hands-on kitchen leadership with a willingness to work alongside teams during service and operational periods Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across teams and stakeholders A calm, steady, and considered leadership style, particularly during the early stages of tenure Willingness to learn and understand the Collegians business, culture, operations, and people before implementing change Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with experience training, mentoring, and motivating staff Strong financial acumen with experience managing food cost %, labour, budgeting, and profitability targets Proven experience in menu development, banquet/events catering, and large-scale service operations Up-to-date knowledge of food safety, hygiene, health & safety legislation, and best-practice kitchen operations What We Offer A highly visible leadership role Scope to shape and grow the club’s catering business, events portfolio, and member experience Competitive salary and benefits package Supportive, community-focused workplace culture with opportunities for innovation and personal growth We value leaders who invest time in understanding our people, culture, and community, and who lead through collaboration, consistency, and operational presence. How to Apply Please submit your resume plus a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, leadership style, and vision for elevating the catering and hospitality offering at Collegians RLFC. Collegians RLFC is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity within the team.
