Cafe Chef

Project Employ; Devonport-Takapuna; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Flourish Cafe in Takapuna, Auckland, seeks an experienced Cafe Chef to lead our kitchen and deliver high-quality cafe dishes. You will manage prep, cooking, presentation, and collaboration with front-of-house to ensure exceptional service.

The role requires 3–5 years in a fast-paced cafe kitchen, strong food safety knowledge, and leadership abilities. Competitive remuneration and development opportunities are offered in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in a fast-paced cafe/restaurant kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and health/safety compliance.
• Proficient in a range of cooking techniques with consistent results.
• Excellent time management during peak service periods.
• Leadership and ability to train junior kitchen staff.
• Creativity and passion for developing menu items.
• Attention to detail and high standards of food quality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of cafe menu items across breakfast, lunch, and specials.
• Manage food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation to high standards.
• Oversee kitchen hygiene, food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Control food costs via stock management and waste minimisation.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff; foster teamwork.
• Coordinate with front-of-house for smooth service and feedback handling.
• Maintain and clean equipment; ensure tools are in good condition.
• Develop new menu items and seasonal specials responsive to trends.
• Manage food orders, stock rotation and inventory levels.

Skills

Cafe kitchen experience

Food safety knowledge

Cooking techniques

Time management

Leadership & communication

Creativity & menu development

Attention to detail

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Flourish Cafe is seeking an experienced and passionate Cafe Chef to join our team in Takapuna, Auckland. This is a full-time position that offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your culinary skills in a dynamic cafe environment. As Cafe Chef, you will be responsible for creating high-quality dishes, managing kitchen operations, and maintaining the standards that define our establishment. This role is integral to delivering an exceptional customer experience and ensuring our cafe remains a destination for quality food and service.

Key responsibilities

Prepare and cook a variety of cafe menu items, including breakfast, lunch, and speciality dishes to a consistently high standard

Manage food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation to ensure dishes meet quality and aesthetic standards

Oversee kitchen hygiene, food safety protocols, and compliance with health and safety regulations

Control food costs through effective stock management, portion control, and minimising waste

Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and productive kitchen environment

Work closely with front-of-house team to ensure efficient service and address customer feedback promptly

Maintain and clean kitchen equipment, ensuring all tools are in optimal working condition

Develop and trial new menu items and seasonal specials in response to customer preferences and market trends

Manage food ordering, stock rotation, and inventory to maintain adequate supplies

What we're looking for

Proven experience as a Cafe Chef or similar culinary role, with a minimum of 3-5 years in a fast-paced cafe or restaurant kitchen

Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and health and safety compliance in kitchen environments

Proficiency in a range of cooking techniques and the ability to prepare dishes to a high standard consistently

Excellent time management and ability to work efficiently during peak service periods

Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate and train junior kitchen staff

Creativity and passion for food, with enthusiasm for developing menu items and culinary innovation

Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation

Ability to work flexibly, including early starts and weekend shifts as required

Food Safety Supervisor qualification or equivalent certification (preferred)

Experience in a similar Auckland hospitality establishment (advantageous)

What we offer

Flourish Cafe is committed to supporting the professional development and wellbeing of our team members. We offer competitive remuneration, and a supportive work environment where your culinary skills are valued and recognised. We encourage a healthy work-life balance and provide flexible working arrangements where possible. Our team benefits from ongoing training and development opportunities, and the satisfaction of working in a quality establishment that prioritises both customer experience and employee welfare.

About us

Flourish Cafe is dedicated to providing exceptional dining and cafe experiences across the Auckland region. We are committed to supporting talented individuals in the hospitality and tourism sector, connecting them with rewarding career opportunities. Our mission is to create welcoming environments where quality food, excellent service, and genuine hospitality come together. We value innovation, teamwork, and a genuine passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences. Working at Flourish Cafe means being part of a team that celebrates culinary excellence and professional growth.