chef

JobSpace; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

NZ Recruitment in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand is seeking a skilled Chef to deliver high-quality dishes that showcase local ingredients and culinary traditions. The role focuses on food safety, kitchen operations, and menu execution in a dynamic hospitality setting.

You will lead a kitchen team, mentor junior staff, monitor health and safety, collaborate with suppliers, and contribute to menu development and pricing strategies to support profitability.

Qualifications

• Proven cooking experience across diverse dishes using local ingredients.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety practices.
• Ability to manage inventory and supplier relations.
• Experience using kitchen management software.
• Excellent communication and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a diverse range of dishes using local ingredients.
• Develop recipes and plate dishes with consistency.
• Monitor hygiene and safety in daily kitchen operations.
• Oversee kitchen workflow and ensure timely service.
• Train junior staff on techniques and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to ensure service quality.
• Assist with menu planning and costing.
• Manage inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Engage with suppliers to source quality ingredients.

Skills

Culinary techniques

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

Inventory management

Team leadership

Kitchen equipment operation

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.

At NZ Recruitment, we pride ourselves on connecting exceptional culinary talent with the vibrant hospitality scene in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. As a Chef, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality dishes that showcase local ingredients and culinary traditions. We are looking for a skilled professional who thrives in a kitchen environment, possesses a strong understanding of food safety protocols, and is adept at various cooking techniques to enhance our culinary offerings.

Culinary Expertise

• Prepare and cook a diverse range of dishes, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients.
• Develop and refine recipes to ensure consistency and quality in food presentation.
• Implement creative plating techniques to enhance the visual appeal of dishes.
• Monitor food preparation processes to adhere to health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure efficient workflow and timely service delivery.
• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to hygiene and safety standards.
• Manage inventory levels, ordering supplies as necessary to maintain stock.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff on cooking techniques and food safety.
• Conduct regular quality checks on food items to maintain high standards.
• Assist in menu planning and pricing strategies to maximize profitability.
• Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, grills, and fryers.
• Knowledge of food safety certifications, including HACCP and Food Handling.
• Experience with inventory management systems for tracking supplies.
• Proficient in using kitchen management software for scheduling and ordering.
• Ability to utilize culinary tools such as knives, mandolins, and food processors.
• Work closely with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Communicate effectively with team members to foster a positive work environment.
• Participate in team meetings to discuss menu changes and operational improvements.
• Engage with suppliers to source high‑quality ingredients and negotiate prices.
• Provide feedback and suggestions to management for enhancing kitchen operations.

Compensation

The hourly pay for this position ranges from $22 to $25, commensurate with experience and skills.