Chefs and Cooks

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Cook to join a professional hospitality team in New Zealand. This senior kitchen position is suited to a confident culinary professional who can contribute to high-quality food preparation while taking an active role in kitchen operations, team coordination and service standards.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work across established dining environments offering diverse cuisine, including Spanish/Mediterranean dishes, slow-cooked meats, salads, handcrafted burgers and rotisserie-style cooking.

This position offers more than a kitchen role. The right candidate can develop their skills in menu development, kitchen leadership, restaurant systems, supplier management, food costing, wage control and broader restaurant operations.

• Inspect and select fresh ingredients to ensure quality and suitability for preparation
• Measure, clean, chop, blend, season, heat and cool food according to established standards
• Prepare and cook a range of dishes while maintaining consistent quality and presentation
• Monitor cooking processes and ensure food is prepared to the required standards
• Maintain a strong understanding of dietary requirements and food preparation procedures
• Coordinate, supervise and collaborate with kitchen staff during food preparation and service
• Lead and support a kitchen team of up to 12 employees
• Demonstrate strong knowledge across all areas of kitchen operations and assist wherever required during service
• Inspect incoming stock and make sound decisions regarding quality, storage and suitability for service
• Monitor food inventory, kitchen supplies and equipment
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across kitchen areas, equipment and utensils
• Assist with the development of new recipes, dishes and menu items
• Contribute to menu planning and ongoing improvements to food quality and presentation
• Use online accountability and restaurant management systems as required
• Work effectively with local and national suppliers to achieve quality produce and competitive pricing
• Monitor kitchen performance, including food costs and wage expenditure
• Provide regular operational updates and performance information to management
• Maintain positive team morale and provide leadership during both peak and quieter periods
• Follow established workplace procedures, food safety practices and operational standards
• Support continuous improvement across kitchen systems, service and food preparation

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in successful dining establishments or commercial kitchen environments
• Proven experience working in a senior or responsible kitchen position
• Strong practical knowledge of professional kitchen operations
• Ability to confidently work across multiple sections of a busy kitchen
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coordinate and support a kitchen team
• Strong understanding of food quality, preparation, presentation and storage
• Knowledge of dietary requirements and appropriate food preparation practices
• Experience with stock control, ordering or kitchen inventory management
• Understanding of food costs, kitchen wages and operational performance is highly desirable
• Experience contributing to menu development or recipe creation is an advantage
• Ability to work effectively during busy service periods
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to maintain high workplace morale and professional standards
• Willingness to learn restaurant management and online accountability systems
• Fluent English language skills in speaking, reading and writing
• Must be able to provide evidence of relevant experience and previous professional kitchen roles

Must meet applicable New Zealand employment and sponsorship requirements.