Full - Time Chinese Chef Wanted !

Bre International Limited; Auckland; On-site; NZD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Bre International Limited, a well-established Chinese restaurant in Hamilton, is expanding and seeks skilled and dedicated chefs to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis. The role offers a minimum of 30 hours per week, with a stable schedule and opportunities for growth.

You will lead kitchen operations, design menus, ensure quality and hygiene standards, mentor junior staff, and work closely with management to support take-away and dine-in expansion.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant experience, preferably as Specialty Chinese Cuisine Chef or NZQCF Diploma in professional cookery.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen maintaining high standards.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to manage time and work within a team.
• Professionalism and responsibility toward each dish; good food hygiene understanding.
• Legally entitled to work in New Zealand; indicate visa status if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Menu Innovation & Scalability: Design and refine authentic yet innovative Chinese menus that can be standardized.
• Quality Standardization: Conduct rigorous quality checks, establish supplier relations, and implement inventory tracking.
• Kitchen Leadership & Workflow Optimization: Coordinate with Management and FOH, optimize layout, and train junior staff.
• High-Volume Culinary Execution: Hands-on line work with complex Chinese cooking techniques.
• Health, Safety & Compliance: Enforce FCP and NZ hygiene regulations; audit-ready kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Professionalism

Food hygiene knowledge

Education

NZQCF Diploma (or higher) in professional cookery

3+ years of relevant experience

Job description

We are an established Chinese restaurant in Hamilton currently entering an exciting phase of expansion . To support our growth, we are looking for askilled and dedicated Chefs to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis.

• Location: Hamilton
• Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Hours: Guaranteed minimum of 30 hours per week
• Pay Rate: $28.00 – $28.00 per hour

Job Duties

• Menu Innovation & Scalability:
  • Design and refine authentic yet innovative Chinese menus that can be standardized.
  • Conduct regular cost-benefit analyses on dishes to ensure healthy profit margins.
• Quality Standardization:
  • Perform rigorous quality checks on ingredient prep and final plating to maintain high brand standards.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with local suppliers to secure bulk pricing and high-quality seasonal produce.
  • Implement advanced inventory tracking to minimize waste and optimize storage as order volumes increase.
• Kitchen Leadership & Workflow Optimization:
  • Coordinate with Management and Front-of-House (FOH) to streamline communication, especially during high-pressure peak hours and weekend rushes.
  • Continuously evaluate kitchen layout and workflows to increase output capacity for future takeaway and dine-in growth.
  • Lead the recruitment and technical training of junior chefs and kitchen hands.
  • Build a "culture of excellence" where staff are cross-trained in different wok or prep stations to ensure operational flexibility.
• High-Volume Culinary Execution:
  • Maintain a hands-on presence on the line, masterfully executing complex Chinese cooking techniques (Smoked and braised food, Cold dishes, Wok Hei, precision butchery, specialized sauces and more).
• Health, Safety & Compliance:
  • Enforce strict Food Control Plans (FCP) and NZ hygiene regulations.
  • Ensure the kitchen is "audit-ready" at all times, setting a professional benchmark for future sites.

Skills and Experience Required

• You should have at least 3 years of relevant experience, preferably as a Specialty Chinese Cuisine Chef OR hold an NZQCF Diploma (or higher) qualification in professional cookery.
• A proven track record of working efficiently in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen while maintaining high standards.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage time effectively and work seamlessly within a team.
• A high level of professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility toward every dish served.
• A solid understanding of food hygiene, kitchen safety protocols, and allergenmanagement.
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand. Please indicate your visa status in your CV if applicable.

Employment type: Full time (guaranteed 30 hours / per week, Tuesday to Saturday), Permanent

We are a well-established popular restaurant based in Waikato.

To enhance our team, we are now looking for 3 cooks to join our team. We are expecting someone who has a passion for