Executive Chef — Lead Creative Kitchen & Team

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, 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.