Chef

4JQT Limited t/a Canyon Taproom; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Great team culture

Training and career development

Job summary

4JQT Limited t/a Canyon Taproom in Queenstown, NZ, is seeking a skilled chef to lead a kitchen section and contribute to menu development.

You will plan, prep, and cook dishes to high standards, coach junior chefs, and collaborate with the Head Chef to deliver a smooth service in a lively riverside setting.

Qualifications

• Proven high standards in food preparation and plating.
• Ability to manage a kitchen section during prep and service.
• Strong communication with team for smooth workflow.

Responsibilities

• Planning and organising the preparation and cooking of food for service, ensuring ingredients, mise en place and equipment are ready
• Managing your section during prep and service, keeping workflow smooth and food going out on time
• Preparing, cooking and presenting dishes to a consistently high standard, following recipes and portion controls
• Contributing to menu planning and development, including dishes, specials, preparation methods and seasonal ingredients
• Training and guiding junior chefs while supporting a positive, collaborative kitchen culture
• Monitoring mise en place, stock levels and ordering requirements to ensure the kitchen is well prepared and minimise waste
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food safety, allergen management and kitchen organisation
• Supporting food cost control through efficient ingredient use, stock rotation and waste reduction
• Working closely with the Head Chef and wider kitchen team to deliver a smooth, efficient service

Skills

Culinary skills

Section management

Communication

Team attitude

Calm under pressure

Food hygiene knowledge

Education

NZQCF Diploma or 3+ years experience

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.

4JQT Limited t/a Canyon Taproom – Queenstown, South Island

We're Canyon Taproom, the riverside home of Canyon Brewing, tucked under the Edith Cavell bridge in Arthurs Point with front-row views of the Shotover. We do wood-fired pizzas, seriously good food, and fresh Canyon beers on tap, served in a place that feels like a holiday, but it’s only 8 minutes from town.

You'll be joining a crew that takes culture seriously. Good people, clear expectations, strong training, and a team that actually looks out for each other. We offer a strong remuneration package, free health insurance (where eligible), and discounts across our venues.

If you’re into good food, cold beer, and a workplace that’s genuinely a good time, you’ll fit right in.

Enough about us, here’s a bit about your new role.

Your day will involve:

• Planning and organising the preparation and cooking of food for service, ensuring ingredients, mise en place and equipment are ready
• Managing your section during prep and service, keeping workflow smooth and food going out on time
• Preparing, cooking and presenting dishes to a consistently high standard, following recipes and portion controls
• Contributing to menu planning and development, including dishes, specials, preparation methods and seasonal ingredients
• Training and guiding junior chefs while supporting a positive, collaborative kitchen culture
• Monitoring mise en place, stock levels and ordering requirements to ensure the kitchen is well prepared and minimise waste
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food safety, allergen management and kitchen organisation
• Supporting food cost control through efficient ingredient use, stock rotation and waste reduction
• Working closely with the Head Chef and wider kitchen team to deliver a smooth, efficient service

You will bring:

• NZQCF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience
• Strong culinary skills and a high level of attention to detail
• Experience managing a section and confidently working through busy services
• Good understanding of food preparation, kitchen workflow and stock management
• A calm, reliable and organised approach, with the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Strong communication skills and a genuine team-first attitude
• Sound knowledge of food hygiene, food safety and allergen requirements

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive remuneration
• Great team culture and supportive kitchen environment
• Training and opportunities to develop your career
• Staff discounts across our wider hospitality group
• Health insurance where eligible
• The chance to work with a quality-driven team and great food in an exciting hospitality environment
• A minimum guarantee of 30 hours per week

Good people. High standards. No cutting corners. We do things properly and we do them safely, and we back the crew to do their best work.