Cafe Chef Manager

Lifewise; Auckland; On-site; NZD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifewise is seeking a hands-on Cafe Chef Manager to lead our busy standalone neighborhood cafe in Auckland. You will run the kitchen, design seasonal brunch and lunch menus, and manage daily operations with a focus on quality and efficiency.

This role requires at least 3 years as Head Chef or Kitchen Manager, cafe experience in high-volume settings, strong food cost knowledge, and leadership skills to motivate a small team while upholding strict hygiene standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years as Head Chef or Kitchen Manager.
• Experience in high-volume, fast-casual dining or specialty cafes.
• Strong understanding of food cost percentages and gross profit margins.
• Ability to motivate a team under pressure.
• Valid food safety and management certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Menu Creation: Design innovative, cost-effective brunch and lunch menus.
• Kitchen Leadership: Hire, train, and manage a small, passionate back-of-house team.
• Inventory Control: Manage ordering, stock rotation, and food waste.
• Supplier Relations: Source fresh, local ingredients from regional suppliers.
• Financial Oversight: Meet food cost targets and labor budgets.
• Compliance: Maintain strict food hygiene, safety, and health standards.

Skills

Head Chef

Kitchen Management

Cafe Experience

Food Cost Understanding

Leadership

Certifications (Food Safety)

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.

Cafe Chef Manager Needed for Standalone Neighborhood Cafe

Are you a culinary leader who thrives on creative control? We are looking for a hands-on Chef Manager to run our busy standalone cafe. You will lead the kitchen, design seasonal menus, and manage daily operations.

Who we are?

Everil Orr Living is more than a kitchen it’s a place where food brings people together. As part of the Methodist Mission Northern whānau (including Lifewise and Airedale Property Trust), everything we do is grounded in compassion, respect, and community impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Creation: Design innovative, cost-effective brunch and lunch menus.
• Kitchen Leadership: Hire, train, and manage a small, passionate back-of-house team.
• Inventory Control: Manage ordering, stock rotation, and food waste.
• Supplier Relations: Source fresh, local ingredients from regional suppliers.
• Financial Oversight: Meet food cost targets and labor budgets.
• Compliance: Maintain strict food hygiene, safety, and health standards.

Required Qualifications

• Proven Experience: Minimum 3 years as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager.
• Cafe Background: Experience in high-volume, fast-casual dining or specialty cafes.
• Financial Literacy: Strong understanding of food cost percentages and gross profit margins.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to motivate a team under pressure.
• Certification: Valid food safety and management certifications required.

What We Offer

• Daytime Hours: No late-night shifts; excellent work-life balance.
• Creative Freedom: Full control over daily specials and menu direction.

If you are a confident, hands-on culinary leader ready to shape a standout neighborhood cafe, we would welcome your application.