Chief Steward

Job Description

A career that lets your passion shine:

As Chief Steward, you will lead our Stewarding Department and take full ownership of the hygiene, sanitation, safety and equipment readiness that underpin every dish we serve. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will manage a diverse team across multiple shifts, maintain continuous HACCP and audit readiness, control labour and chemical costs, and ensure our kitchens, outlets and banqueting operation are always supplied, spotless and ready to perform. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who takes genuine pride in standards that most guests never see — but always feel.

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Stewarding Department, planning and allocating duties according to occupancy, outlet activity, functions and events
• Conduct clear pre-shift briefings and maintain effective handovers, following outstanding matters through to completion
• Develop, implement and monitor daily, weekly, monthly and periodic cleaning schedules across all kitchens, back-of-house spaces, storerooms, loading docks and waste areas
• Plan and supervise deep-cleaning projects, including approved overnight programs, with the right staffing, access, safety controls and completion records
• Ensure stewarding practices comply with the hotel's HACCP program, food safety procedures, brand standards and legislative requirements, maintaining continuous audit readiness
• Monitor and verify dishwasher and glasswasher temperatures, chemical dosing and daily records, investigating non-conformances and closing out corrective actions
• Champion workplace health and safety, including chemical labelling, storage and dilution, current Safety Data Sheets, PPE compliance and hazard reporting
• Prepare and manage rosters in line with forecast business levels, Award provisions and approved labour budgets, and review productivity against covers and event activity
• Maintain par levels of china, glassware, cutlery, silverware and banquet equipment, and coordinate equipment requirements for outlets, functions and special events
• Conduct spot checks, scheduled inventories and breakage reporting, investigating variances and supporting replacement and capital expenditure planning
• Control chemical, cleaning supply and labour costs within budget, and assist with departmental budgets, forecasts and cost-saving initiatives

Qualifications

What you will bring to the role:

• Previous supervisory or management experience in stewarding, kitchen operations or hospitality cleaning within a high-volume environment; luxury hotel, large banquet or multi-outlet experience highly regarded
• Demonstrated working knowledge of HACCP, cleaning and sanitation systems, chemical safety and workplace health and safety obligations
• Proven experience with rostering, labour cost control, inventory management, breakage reporting and operating equipment control
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a diverse team across multiple shifts and competing operational priorities
• Strong organisation, communication, follow-up and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to take corrective action when standards slip
• Confidence using digital rostering, maintenance, incident reporting and administrative systems
• A hands-on, dependable approach with high attention to detail and a calm presence under pressure
• Food Safety Supervisor certification (or equivalent recognised training), and current first aid certification, desirable
• The physical capability for an active back-of-house role involving extended standing and walking, lifting and carrying, and regular handling of cleaning chemicals
• Availability and flexibility to work across a seven-day roster including weekends, public holidays, early mornings, evenings and approved overnight projects

Additional Information

Thrive in our Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach community: 

• A chef prepared meal complimentary on every shift
• Laundered uniforms to have you looking and feeling your best
• A complimentary Sofitel night’s stay each year, including breakfast, to celebrate your work anniversary
• Global discounts across Accor hotels, restaurants, and experiences
• An additional paid day off during your birthday month
• Personalised reward program curated to suit your lifestyle
• Discounted onsite parking, secure bike storage, and convenienct access to public transport
• Walking distance to Broadbeach’s best dining, shopping, and coastline
• Leaders who invest in your development, coaching, and long-term career
• A global brand setting standards for French luxury hospitality

Apply now and shape the future of your hospitality career with Sofitel.
Current Australian working rights are required for this position.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer that celebrates diversity in all forms. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we welcome you to let us know so we can support you.