Chef

Discover Waitomo; Ōtorohanga; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

Discover Waitomo seeks a Chef de Partie to join our Food & Beverage team at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. In this full-time role you’ll support the Business Manager and F&B Manager to deliver high-quality catering and outstanding service for diverse groups.

You’ll lead by example in a dynamic, multi-cultural kitchen, overseeing pastry, larder, and buffet work, with opportunities to contribute to menu costing and development while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and presentation.

Qualifications

• NZQA Level 4 Cookery or 3+ years professional kitchen experience.
• Strong communication, numeracy, and literacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven leadership and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
• Availability for a 7-day rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.
• Preferred: skills in menu costing and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage kitchen operations, ensuring efficient preparation and execution.
• Prepare and serve food to the highest standards, including pastry, baking, bread making, larder, sauce, and buffet work for large groups.
• Maintain hygiene, sanitation, and food safety standards.
• Assist with menu development and costing.
• Operate cooking equipment and manage stock rotation.
• Deliver excellent customer service, maintain immaculate food displays, and ensure a clean café environment.
• Handle cash and operate POS systems.
• Adhere to all café and THL policies and procedures.

Skills

Strong communication

Numeracy

Literacy

Leadership

Time management

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

NZQA Level 4 Cookery

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.

Are you passionate about food, hospitality, and delivering exceptional experiences? Discover Waitomo is seeking a talented Chef de Partie to join our Food & Beverage team at the iconic Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) is the world's leading provider of holiday vehicles for rent and sale, operating under various brands across Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and the UK. Our brands include maui, Apollo, Britz, Cheapa Camper, Hippie, Mighty rentals, and more. We also design motorhomes through Action Manufacturing and create digital products via thl Digital.

About The Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Discover Waitomo:

• Our core values that drive the business are Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga and Whanaungatanga - all of which are also measures of our care for our people and our place.
• A great work environment in the tourism industry - where you'll spend your day surrounded by positive, passionate and multicultural people.
• Part of Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) - NZ's premium tourism company operating iconic kiwi brands The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company and Waitomo Homestead.

About the Role

As full-time permanent Chef de Partie, you’ll support the Business Manager and F&B Manager to deliver high-quality catering, outstanding customer service, and contribute to business growth and profitability. This senior kitchen role offers the opportunity to occasionally lead the kitchen and be part of a dynamic, friendly team.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and manage kitchen operations, ensuring efficient preparation and execution.
• Prepare and serve food to the highest standards, including pastry, baking, bread making, larder, sauce, and buffet work for large groups.
• Maintain hygiene, sanitation, and food safety standards.
• Assist with menu development and costing.
• Operate cooking equipment and manage stock rotation.
• Deliver excellent customer service, maintain immaculate food displays, and ensure a clean café environment.
• Handle cash and operate POS systems.
• Adhere to all café and THL policies and procedures.

What We’re Looking For

• NZQA Level 4 Cookery or 3+ years professional kitchen experience.
• Strong communication, numeracy, and literacy skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven leadership and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
• Initiative, reliability, honesty, and a positive attitude.
• High standard of personal grooming and presentation.
• Availability for a 7-day rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.

Preferred:

• Skills in menu costing and customer service.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a world-renowned tourist destination.
• Be part of a supportive, friendly team.
• Opportunities for growth and development.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits.