Chef Lake Wanaka Nz

Kai Whakapai Cafe & Bar; Wānaka, Queenstown; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kai Whakapai Cafe & Bar in Wanaka seeks a Chef de Partie to join our busy kitchen. This full‑time role provides a supportive team and the opportunity to work at Wanaka’s iconic lakefront venue.

We’re after a calm, hardworking chef with great attention to detail who can help drive consistency, quality and menu execution during brunch and lunch peaks, and support the kitchen across service periods. Join a team that values energy, collaboration, and pride in reimagining everyday menus with a local

Qualifications

• Experience in a kitchen.
• Calm, hardworking with great attention to detail.
• Full-time availability.

Responsibilities

• Operate the kitchen when the head or sous chef is not on duty.
• Ensure recipes and portions are followed for consistency and cost control.
• Assist with food preparation to meet kitchen needs.
• Follow policies for food safety in all prep areas.
• Follow health & safety policies in all prep areas.
• Maintain equipment and a clean, safe work environment.
• Inform the Owner/Head Chef of any hazards affecting work conditions.
• Order and maintain inventory to support efficient operations.
• Communicate with and support staff; uphold kitchen morale.
• Maintain positive relationships between kitchen and front of house.

Skills

Attention to detail

Calm under pressure

Job description

Chef de partie - Kai Whakapai Cafe & Bar

There’s only one Kai Whakapai - an iconic, well-loved local, situated on Wanaka’s scenic lakefront. And now there is an opportunity to join our kitchen team as a chef.

We’re looking for a unicorn among the stars - we’re seeking a calm, hard working chef with great attention to detail. This is a full-time role and is part of a strong and supportive team.

Did we mention it was at the iconic Kai Whakapai - and in Wanaka?

Company Story

We’ve intentionally aimed to reflect who Wanaka is - the people and the place. To be their local, and to give visitors a sense of local too.

Kai Whakapai, is known for everyday menus with a twist - we create food that is recognizable, authentic, and well-presented. We focus on continuous improvement and work to build seasonal menus that blow the minds of our customers.

The Kitchen peak is during our brunch & lunch trade. The evening menu is focused on the casual dining scene to complement our loyal craft beer following.

The Kitchen team is currently made up of 8 awesome team members.

Our People

Kai is built by the people, for the people - it’s about our team, and the local people of Wanaka who treat Kai as their own. We have a strong full time management team, supported in Winter and Summer by seasonal team members. We value good energy every day, by being passionate, empathic, and a little bit cheeky. We exude energy and aim to lift each other up.

Individually strong, collectively great. We use the eyes, ears, insights, and hearts of everyone in our team to build the best service, best offerings and create the best atmosphere for everyone.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the operation of the kitchen when the head/sous chef is not on duty.
• Ensure that recipes and portions are strictly adhered to, in order to achieve consistency, quality and cost control.
• Perform food preparation - assisting the rest of the team to ensure menu items are prepared to meet the needs of the kitchen.
• Follow set policies to maintain standards for food safety in all food preparation areas.
• Follow set policies to maintain standards for health & safety at work in all food preparation areas.
• Ensure all equipment and work environments are operational.
• Inform the Owner/Head Chef if any hazards are identified that may affect work conditions.
• If requested order and maintain inventory to ensure efficient operations.
• Communicate with and support staff.
• Uphold morale in the kitchen.
• Maintain positive relationship between kitchen and front of house staff.
• Attend kitchen meetings.
• Any other duties the Executive Chef / Head Chef or Sous Chef may reasonably require.

Required Competencies

• Valid Work Visa or NZ resident
• Experience in a kitchen