Head Chef

JobSpace; Hastings; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

JobSpace in Hastings, Hawke's Bay is seeking a dedicated chef for our busy restaurant. The role offers a permanent position with a minimum of 30 hours per week and a pay rate of $30–$40 per hour, depending on skills.

The successful candidate will work on a rostered schedule, including weekends, late nights and public holidays, with flexibility required to maintain high kitchen standards and smooth operations.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in a fast-paced kitchen or a level 4+ cookery/hospitality qualification.
• Strong leadership and team-management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of modern culinary techniques and kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, ensuring an efficient and positive working environment.
• Develop and manage kitchen budgets, including labour, food, equipment and operational costs.
• Create and develop menus based on seasonal produce, customer preferences, current food trends and cost targets.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation to ensure high standards.
• Train, mentor and develop Chefs, Cooks and kitchen staff.
• Recruit and support the development of new kitchen team members.
• Organise kitchen rosters, duties and daily responsibilities to maintain an effective workflow.
• Demonstrate and teach advanced culinary techniques and best-practice cooking methods.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, presentation and consistency.
• Manage stock levels, ordering, food costs and minimise waste.
• Ensure the kitchen operates in full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and workplace safety requirements.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and professionalism throughout the kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Budget management

Food safety

Staff training

Education

Cookery certificate or hospitality qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

We are looking for 1 dedicated chef for our busy restaurant in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay region. We guarantee a minimum of 30 hours per week with a pay rate between $30 - $40 per hour depending on your skills and it is a permanent role.

This role operates on a rostered schedule, and you will be expected to be available for weekends, late-night shifts, and public holidays. Flexibility in working hours is essential for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, ensuring an efficient and positive working environment.
• Develop and manage kitchen budgets, including labour, food, equipment and operational costs.
• Create and develop menus based on seasonal produce, customer preferences, current food trends and cost targets.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation to ensure consistently high standards.
• Train, mentor and develop Chefs, Cooks and kitchen staff.
• Recruit and support the development of new kitchen team members.
• Organise kitchen rosters, duties and daily responsibilities to maintain an effective workflow.
• Demonstrate and teach advanced culinary techniques and best-practice cooking methods.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, presentation and consistency.
• Manage stock levels, ordering, food costs and minimise waste.
• Ensure the kitchen operates in full compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and workplace safety requirements.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and professionalism throughout the kitchen.

We are looking for someone who has:

• At least minimum two years of experience in a fast-paced environment or a minimum of level 4 or above qualification in cookery or hospitality or relevant field
• Strong leadership and team-management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of modern culinary techniques and kitchen operations.
• A strong understanding of food safety and hygiene requirements.
• The ability to remain calm and organised in a fast-paced kitchen.
• A passion for quality, presentation and consistency.
• Excellent communication and staff-training skills.