Head Chef

Beach Sumner; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Ongoing training and development

Beachside kitchen leadership

Job summary

Beach Sumner is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Beach Bar & Restaurant in Sumner. You will drive quality, mentor the team and push the menu forward while preserving the relaxed coastal vibe.

Lead with passion, deliver outstanding guest experiences, manage stock and ensure food safety. A dynamic, high-energy environment with ongoing training and development opportunities awaits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role in a kitchen.
• Passion for great food and locally sourced produce.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a busy kitchen.
• Attention to detail and pride in presentation and consistency.
• Desire to create outstanding guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and cooking of dishes to meet high production and quality standards.
• Leading and mentoring kitchen staff to ensure quality and presentation standards are consistently met.
• Monitoring and managing stock levels and ordering.
• Working with senior management to continue developing the menu and food offering.
• Maintaining clear communication within the kitchen to ensure smooth service.
• Ensuring all food safety and hygiene standards are followed at all times.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary excellence

Staff development

Communication

Organisational skills

Pressure management

Guest experience

Job description

Head Chef – Beach Bar & Restaurant, Sumner

Beach sits in the heart of Sumner Village and has become a favourite for both locals and visitors alike. With stunning surroundings and a vibrant atmosphere, we pride ourselves on delivering great food, great drinks, and memorable experiences for our guests.

We’re now looking for an experienced Head Chef who wants to take our kitchen to the next level. This is an opportunity for someone with passion, creativity, and leadership to help elevate our food offering while maintaining the relaxed, coastal style that Beach is known for.

You’ll be leading the kitchen team, driving quality and consistency, and helping create dishes that keep people coming back.

The Role

As Head Chef you will be responsible for leading the kitchen and ensuring the highest standards are maintained across all areas of food preparation and service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparation and cooking of dishes to meet high production and quality standards
• Leading and mentoring kitchen staff to ensure quality and presentation standards are consistently met
• Monitoring and managing stock levels and ordering
• Working with senior management to continue developing the menu and food offering
• Maintaining clear communication within the kitchen to ensure smooth service
• Ensuring all food safety and hygiene standards are followed at all times

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a similar leadership role
• A passion for great food and locally sourced produce
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Ability to perform under pressure in a busy kitchen environment
• Attention to detail and pride in presentation and consistency
• Someone who genuinely wants to create outstanding guest experiences

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• The chance to lead a kitchen in one of Christchurch’s best beachside locations

If you’re passionate about great food and want to be part of a team focused on delivering exceptional experiences, we’d love to hear from you.