Culinary Development Lead - Business & Education

Compass Group New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programmes

NZ residency support

Job summary

Compass Group New Zealand is seeking a Culinary Development Lead for Business & Education operations in Auckland. You will steer culinary strategy, elevate menu development, and drive excellence across Eurest and Chartwells brands while collaborating with Operations, Supply Chain and Finance to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

You will mentor site-based leaders, refine allergen management and SOPs, and shape best-practice delivery across the Business & Education portfolio in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• 5+ years in an Executive Chef or senior culinary position.
• Strong expertise in menu development and culinary innovation.
• Experience delivering in a commercial operation.
• Proven ability to manage food and labour costs within budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary development across Business & Education operations, including cyclic menus, recipe cards, allergen management, SOPs, product specs and training content.
• Drive menu innovation and development in line with the Culinary Calendar to balance quality and commercial outcomes.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain and Finance to ensure cost control and profitable menu execution.
• Coach Head Chefs and culinary teams to deliver service excellence and consistent standards.
• Stay ahead of culinary trends, customer insights and competitor activity to improve products and experiences.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Culinary innovation

Operational delivery

Cost control

New Zealand produce

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Culinary Development Lead - Business & Education

Bring your culinary leadership to the table and help shape the future of premium food experiences across New Zealand.

• Lead culinary innovation at scale- influence menus, food trends and customer experiences across leading Compass brands.
• A strategic leadership role- work closely with Operations Directors, GMs and Head Chefs while shaping national culinary direction.
• Global backing, local impact- be supported by Compass Group's global frameworks while celebrating New Zealand flavours and producers.

As the Culinary Development Lead - Business & Education Operations, you will drive culinary excellence across the Eurest and Chartwells brands. This role focuses on elevating customer experience through innovative menu development, strong commercial discipline and operational collaboration. You'll lead culinary strategy, support site-based culinary leaders and influence best-practice delivery across Business & Education operations - while playing an active role in Compass Group NZ's wider Culinary Council.

• Lead culinary development across Business & Education operations, including cyclic menus, recipe cards, allergen management, SOPs, product specifications and training content.
• Drive menu innovation and development in line with the annual Culinary Calendar, balancing quality, creativity, and commercial outcomes.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain and Finance teams to ensure cost control, purchasing compliance and profitable menu execution.
• Coach and influence Head Chefs and culinary teams to deliver service excellence and consistent food standards across sites.
• Stay ahead of culinary trends, customer insights and competitor activity to continuously improve products, processes and experiences.
• A proven culinary leader with 5+ years' experience in an Executive Chef or senior culinary position.
• Strong expertise in menu development, culinary innovation and operational delivery within a commercial environment.
• Commercially astute, with demonstrated ability to manage food and labour costs within budgetary frameworks.
• A confident communicator and collaborator who builds strong relationships across operational and support teams.
• Passionate about showcasing New Zealand produce, food stories and customer-focused culinary experiences.
• Enjoy competitive remuneration, plus bonuses and comprehensive benefits, including a company vehicle.
• A key leadership role within a dynamic, growth-focused sector.
• The opportunity to lead, influence and shape high-performing culinary teams.
• Career development and progression within the global Compass Group framework.
• A supportive, collaborative culture with flexible working options and Employee Assistance Programmes.
• Exclusive discounts on medical insurance, banking services, hotels and more.

Please visit our Benefits page for a comprehensive list of our benefits.

• We are New Zealand's leading and largest food and support services provider across multiple industries.
• Our sub-brands, Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates,Medirest, ESSand Rapportmanage these industry sectors.
• We specialise inturning ordinary acts of service into extraordinary experientialmomentsfor our clients. With innovative and talented teams across New Zealand, we transform experiences from beingGOOD to GREAT.
• Our people areawesome,they breathe life into our brands and makegreat thingshappen!
• 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 TEAMWORKare the founding pillars of these commitments.
• We are committed to reflecting the diversityof our customers, suppliers, and colleagues. We also prioritisesustainabilityin everything we do, ensuring an inclusive andequitableenvironment for all.

Successful candidates must pass pre-employment checks.
Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

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

Creating meaningful and lasting connections with every experience.