chef

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

Job summary

NZ Recruitment in Upper Hutt, Wellington, is seeking a skilled Chef to join our dynamic kitchen team. You will prepare and cook a diverse range of dishes, follow recipes, and work to high hygiene standards.

The role emphasizes local ingredients, menu collaboration, and mentoring junior staff, with focus on quality, food safety, and efficient inventory management. You will also contribute to seasonal menus and participate in events to showcase our creations.

Qualifications

• Strong culinary foundation across techniques and cuisines.
• Adherence to food safety regulations and hygiene standards.
• Ability to source and utilize local ingredients.
• Experience mentoring junior kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a diverse range of dishes and follow recipes.
• Ensure all food meets safety and hygiene standards.
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, and stock rotation.
• Collaborate on seasonal menus highlighting local produce.
• Train and mentor junior staff to improve culinary skills.
• Research new techniques and trends to refresh menus.
• Work with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients.
• Adapt menus based on dietary restrictions and customer preferences.
• Participate in festivals and events to showcase dishes.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety

Menu development

Team leadership

Inventory management

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

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 delivering exceptional culinary experiences in Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. We are seeking a skilled Chef to join our dynamic kitchen team, where creativity and precision are paramount. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in various cooking techniques and a passion for using fresh, local ingredients to craft memorable dishes.

Core Culinary Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a diverse range of dishes, adhering to established recipes and presentation standards.
• Ensure all food is prepared in accordance with food safety regulations and hygiene standards.
• Manage kitchen inventory, including ordering and stock rotation to minimize waste.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to develop seasonal menus that highlight local produce.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff to enhance their culinary skills and knowledge.
• Research and integrate new cooking techniques and trends into menu offerings.
• Conduct taste tests and gather feedback to refine recipes and improve dish quality.
• Work closely with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients that meet our standards.
• Adapt menus based on customer preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Participate in food festivals and events to showcase our culinary creations.

Tools & Equipment

• Proficient in using commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, grills, and fryers.
• Skilled in knife techniques and safe handling of kitchen tools.
• Experienced with food processing equipment, including mixers and blenders.
• Knowledgeable in using POS systems for order management and inventory tracking.
• Familiar with sous-vide cooking and other modern culinary techniques.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with local health regulations and food safety standards.
• Implement proper sanitation practices throughout the kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Conduct regular inspections of food storage and preparation areas to ensure cleanliness.
• Keep up to date with food safety certifications and training requirements.
• Document and report any food safety issues or incidents promptly.

Compensation

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