Chef (Fixed Term)- ESS Ohakea

Compass Group New Zealand; Bulls; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great hourly rate

Uniform provided

Health program & wellbeing

Career progression opportunities

Christmas & New Year break

Job summary

Compass Group New Zealand is seeking two fixed-term full-time chefs for RNZAF Base Ohakea, near Palmerston North. The roles run from September 2026 to February 2027 to cover parental leave, working across a 7-day roster to prepare and serve quality meals for Defence personnel in a unique military environment.

You will contribute to daily kitchen operations, maintain food safety standards, and support stock control while enjoying a lifestyle in the Manawatū region.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a high-volume commercial or industrial kitchen.
• Relevant Chef or Catering qualification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and kitchen operations.
• Ability to work independently and supervise a small team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve high-quality meals for buffet, cook-to-order and function catering.
• Ensure meals meet Compass Group quality standards.
• Support daily kitchen operations and food preparation requirements.
• Supervise and assist kitchen team members as needed.
• Assist with stock control and stocktakes.

Skills

High-volume kitchen experience

Team supervision

Food safety knowledge

Independent work

Education

Chef or Catering qualification

Job description

• Fixed-term opportunity at NZ's leading Air Force Base with Christmas and New Year site slowdown
• Free meals on duty, free uniform, career development and exclusive employee discounts

He angitūtanga / The opportunity

We are looking for two Fixed Term Full Time Chefs to join our team at RNZAF Base Ohakea, near Palmerston North. This fixed-term opportunity runs from September 2026 to February 2027 to cover parental leave.

Working across a 7-day roster, you will prepare and deliver quality meals for Defence personnel while supporting daily kitchen operations in a unique military environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your culinary career while enjoying the lifestyle and outdoor attractions the Manawatū region has to offer.

Ko o Kawenga / Your Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve high‑quality meals for buffet, cook‑to‑order and function catering
• Ensure every meal is delivered to Compass Group quality standards
• Support daily kitchen operations and food preparation requirements
• Supervise and assist kitchen team members when required
• Assist with stock control and stocktake activities
• Maintain food safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards at all times

He Kōrero Mōu / About You

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a high-volume commercial or industrial kitchen
• Relevant Chef or Catering qualification preferred
• Strong knowledge of food safety, food hygiene and kitchen operations
• Ability to work independently and supervise a small team
• Flexible, reliable and organised with excellent time management skills
• Hold a Full Unrestricted New Zealand Driver Licence

Ngā Painga / Benefits & Perks

• Great Hourly Rate + Company Benefits
• Work at New Zealand's leading provider of food services!
• Join a great team where everyone is treated like family!
• Access to leading health and wellbeing programs.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Free uniforms and PPE provided.
• Annual Star Awards and recognition programmes.
• Opportunity to enjoy Christmas and New Year off during the site slowdown period.

Please visit our Benefits page for a comprehensive list of our benefits: Compass Group Benefits

Mō Mātou / About Us

We are New Zealand's leading and largest food and support services provider across multiple industries.

Our sub-brands, Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, ESS and Rapport manage these industry sectors.

Our people are awesome, they breathe life into our brands and make great things happen!

Our strength comes from the combination of the things we have in common - our shared values, vision, and purpose and to make our commitment unique for you - RESPECT, GROWTH, and TEAMWORK are the founding pillars of these commitments.

We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our customers, suppliers, and colleagues. We also prioritise sustainability in everything we do, ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Successful candidates must pass pre-employment checks.

Successful candidates must be able to obtain Defence security clearance.

Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Recruitment for this role will actively commence from the date of advertising. The closing date is reliant on the appointment of the successful applicant.