Executive Chef

Minor International; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth

Hotel discounts

Wellness support

Generous leave

Job summary

Minor Hotels, Queenstown Club Suites, seeks an experienced Executive Chef to lead the kitchen operations on a full-time basis. The role oversees all culinary activities, drives menu innovation, and ensures exceptional guest experiences in a high-volume setting.

You will recruit and inspire the culinary team, manage costs and inventory, uphold WHS/HACCP standards, and collaborate with management on training and onboarding to sustain top-quality service.

Qualifications

• Over 3 years’ experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role within a hotel or high-volume environment.
• Ability to manage a busy kitchen, with a high level of consistency and creativity.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Strong financial awareness, including food cost control and inventory management.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Positive, proactive attitude and genuine passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen team to ensure high performance and adherence to standards.
• Oversee the preparation and cooking of meals to consistently high quality and presentation standards.
• Plan, develop, and implement menus, including seasonal and special offerings, in line with guest expectations and brand standards.
• Monitor food costs, inventory, and stock control to maintain budgetary targets.
• Ensure full compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), HACCP, and all hygiene regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with the recruitment team to manage new hires and a successful onboarding process.
• Collaborate with management to support operational and strategic objectives, including training, rostering, and staff development.
• Continuously review kitchen operations to identify opportunities for efficiency and quality improvement.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Executive Chef

Team leadership

Food cost control

Kitchen operations

High-volume kitchens

Communication

Job description

Minor Hotels is one of Australasia’s largest accommodation providers, managing over 70 properties in the region and a global portfolio of 640 properties across more than 66 countries. Our brands, Anantara, Avani, Oaks, NH Hotels, NH Collection, nhow, and Tivoli, span six continents, including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, and South America. Joining Minor means partnering with a diverse, expanding global organisation offering boundless opportunities to thrive and succeed.

Our people are the heart of our success, and we are committed to investing in your skills to support your career growth and advancement. You’ll feel valued as part of a tight-knit team, united in delivering exceptional guest experiences and thriving in a company dedicated to fostering an outstanding workplace culture.

Minor Hotels, Queenstown Club Suites are looking for an experienced and passionate Executive Chef to oversee and lead the kitchen operations on a full-time basis.

This role is essential in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and service are consistently delivered to guests. The successful candidate will recruit, inspire and manage the culinary team, drive menu innovation, and maintain efficient, compliant kitchen operations.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen team to ensure high performance and adherence to standards.
• Oversee the preparation and cooking of meals to consistently high quality and presentation standards.
• Plan, develop, and implement menus, including seasonal and special offerings, in line with guest expectations and brand standards.
• Monitor food costs, inventory, and stock control to maintain budgetary targets.
• Ensure full compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), HACCP, and all hygiene regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with the recruitment team to manage new hires and a successful onboarding process.
• Collaborate with management to support operational and strategic objectives, including training, rostering, and staff development.
• Continuously review kitchen operations to identify opportunities for efficiency and quality improvement.

Shift Details (subject to change):

• Flexibility to work across all meal services including breakfast, lunch, and dinner as required.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Over 3 years’ experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role within a hotel or high-volume environment.
• Ability to manage a busy kitchen, with a high level of consistency and creativity
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Strong financial awareness, including food cost control and inventory management.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Positive, proactive attitude and genuine passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

At Minor Hotels, we value our people as the heart of our success. Joining Minor means, you’ll enjoy a rewarding package designed to support your professional growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance:

What We Offer:

• Career Growth: Learning and developmentprograms to boost your career.
• Exclusive Hotel Deals: 50% off stays at Minor Hotels in Australasia; 20% off for friends and family.
• Global Perks: International accommodation discounts across our hotel brands.
• Retail Rewards: Cashback and discountsat 400+ top retailers in AU/NZ.
• Experiences: Discounted entertainment and activities.
• Banking and Insurance: Exclusive health insurance offers and workplace banking benefits.
• Generous Leave: Parental and birthday leave.
• Wellness Boost: EAP and tailored wellness support.

Our people drive the success of our business; We are a dynamic organisation dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. We invest in your skills and foster a workplace culture that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.

Currently, we are only accepting applications from candidates who have working rights within New Zealand.