Head Chef

Woodstock Hotel; Greymouth; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run hotel in Greymouth seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead kitchen operations, deliver quality meals, and manage menu specials. You'll work closely with the Executive Chef and a dedicated team, ensuring food safety and cost control in a supportive environment. If you're passionate about food and teamwork, apply now to join this positive culture.

Benefits

Positive team culture

Opportunities for menu development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef.
• Creative flair with understanding of food cost control.
• Excellent communicator who thrives in a team-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth service.
• Prepare, present, and oversee delivery of quality meals.
• Create and cost menu specials celebrating seasonal ingredients.
• Support Executive Chef with budgeting and staffing input.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene compliance.

Skills

Leadership skills

Food cost control

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Food Safety Certification

Job description

Head Chef – Woodstock Greymouth
Full-time | Greymouth, West Coast | Leadership role in a supportive, family-run business

Are you an experienced chef ready to take the lead in a busy, well-loved kitchen? The Woodstock team is looking for a hands on Head Chef to manage our Greymouth kitchen, working alongside our Executive Chef to deliver consistently high-quality, country-style meals with heart and flavour.

Our venues in Greymouth and Hokitika are known for their warm, welcoming atmosphere and hearty, honest food. We’re a small, dedicated team who take pride in great service, genuine teamwork, and looking after our customers — and we’re looking for a Head Chef who shares that same passion.

What you’ll do:

Lead daily kitchen operations in Greymouth to ensure smooth, efficient service.

Prepare, present, and oversee the delivery of quality meals that reflect our Woodstock style.

Create and cost short-term menu specials that celebrate seasonal ingredients.

Support the Executive Chef with budgeting, food costs, and staffing input.

Maintain food safety, hygiene, and compliance to the highest standard.

Occasionally assist at our Hokitika venue, ensuring consistency across both sites.

What we’re looking for:

Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef, with strong leadership skills.

Creative flair balanced with sound understanding of food cost control

Excellent communicator who thrives in a team-focused environment.

Calm, organised, and able to lead by example in a hands-on role.

Food Safety Certification required.

Supportive, family-run business with a positive and professional culture.

Opportunity to influence menu direction and develop your own specials.

Work closely with an experienced Executive Chef who values teamwork and initiative.

A tight-knit, customer-first environment where your leadership makes a real impact.

If you’re passionate about good food, teamwork, and leading from the front, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and a brief cover letter telling us why you’d be the perfect fit for Woodstock Greymouth.

Unlock job insights

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Head Chef?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?

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