Commis Chef

RealNZ; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Access to RealNZ experiences

Iconic Queenstown location

Job summary

RealNZ's Walter Peak - Colonel's Homestead in Queenstown is seeking a Commis Chef to start your culinary career in one of New Zealand's most spectacular locations. This full-time fixed-term role offers learning in a busy, supportive kitchen.

You'll work with a passionate team to prepare and present high-quality food, maintain cleanliness, follow food safety plans, and help keep service running smoothly. We're looking for a positive, reliable team player eager to grow under experienced chefs.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and motivated Commis Chef with willingness to learn.
• Experience in a commercial kitchen or hospitality preferred.
• Culinary qualification or studying toward one is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation and presentation to high standards.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and hygiene at all times.
• Follow food safety and Food Control Plan requirements.
• Support stock management and minimise food waste.
• Care for equipment and help keep the kitchen organised.
• Work with the team to ensure smooth service.

Skills

Positive attitude

Commercial kitchen experience

Culinary qualification toward

Work ethic

Teamwork under pressure

Passion for great food

Education

Culinary qualification (or studying)

Job description

Start your culinary career in one of New Zealand's most spectacular locations.

Imagine spending your days creating great food while surrounded by stunning lake and mountain views. At Walter Peak - Colonel's Homestead, you'll be part of a passionate kitchen team delivering memorable dining experiences for visitors from around the world.

We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Commis Chef to join us for a full-time fixed-term opportunity. This is the perfect role for someone who's eager to learn, build their skills, and gain valuable experience in a busy, supportive kitchen environment.

What you'll be doing

As a key member of the kitchen team, you'll support the day-to-day preparation and delivery of high-quality food, helping ensure every guest enjoys an exceptional dining experience.

You'll assist with:

• Food preparation and presentation
• Maintaining high standards of kitchen cleanliness and hygiene
• Following food safety and Food Control Plan requirements
• Stock management and waste minimisation
• Equipment care and kitchen organisation
• Working closely with the wider team to keep service running smoothly

What you'll bring

• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Previous experience in a commercial kitchen or hospitality environment is preferred
• A relevant culinary qualification (or currently studying towards one) is an advantage
• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced team environment
• A passion for great food and creating memorable guest experiences

What's in it for you?

• Explore New Zealand for less: Enjoy fantastic staff discounts and access to incredible RealNZ experiences. Cruise Milford and Doubtful Sound, discover the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, experience white-water rafting, visit Stewart Island, and more.
• Work somewhere extraordinary: Trade the ordinary workplace for one of Queenstown's most iconic destinations.
• Learn from experienced chefs: Develop your skills in a supportive team environment where growth and development are encouraged.

If you're passionate about food, keen to learn, and looking for an opportunity to develop your culinary career in a truly unique setting, we'd love to hear from you.

Real people, real places, real experiences. Welcome to RealNZ.

When's the best time to join the Real whānau? Now's good.

We're the conservation business that's enabled by tourism. We're helping the world, one guest at a time, fall in love with conservation. We're inspiring people to leave their places in better conditions than when they found them. We channel a guest-centric approach that fuels our genuine promise to deliver Aotearoa's most unforgettable experiences.

It's our workplace environment that makes careers at RealNZ more exciting than the regular job. Working for Real could mean you're based anywhere between a secluded island, a scenic fiord, and a snow-capped maunga. Our people, places, and workdays are a great and diverse mixture. It keeps us on our toes and adds value and passion to our work.