Head Chef

The Salty Dog Inn; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salty Dog Inn in North Shore, North Island, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. You will oversee daily operations, develop menus, and ensure high quality and consistency across all service areas, including restaurant, bars, and functions.

We value strong communication, hands-on leadership, and a track record of kitchen management. A flexible schedule and weekend work are required in a dynamic hospitality setting.

Qualifications

• Relevant cookery qualifications required.
• Food Hygiene Certificate required.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
• Experience with menu planning and costing.
• Minimum 2 years in cookery or kitchen management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and organisation.
• Ensure recipes, portions, and presentation meet quality standards.
• Develop creative new dishes and menus.
• Cost menus for restaurant, bars, banquets, weddings and conferences.
• Manage stocktaking and kitchen efficiency.
• Run the kitchen with the sous chef and train staff.
• Maintain high food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Menu planning

Menu costing

Cooking techniques

Leadership

Staff training

Education

Relevant cookery qualifications

Food hygiene certificate

2 years experience in kitchen

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

The Salty Dog Inn – North Shore, North Island

Due to our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Head Chef to join our team at Salty Dog Inn.

Salty Dog Inn is a resort-style motel and hospitality venue featuring three bars, two function spaces, a gaming lounge, and a restaurant. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment delivering a high-end bistro / à la carte menu along with functions and conferences.

Due to our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Head Chef to join our team at Salty Dog Inn.

Salty Dog Inn is a resort-style motel and hospitality venue featuring three bars, two function spaces, a gaming lounge, and a restaurant. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment delivering a high-end bistro / à la carte menu along with functions and conferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and organisation

• Ensure recipes, portions, and presentation meet consistency and quality standards

• Develop creative new dishes and menus

• Plan and cost menus for restaurant, bar, banquets, weddings, and corporate functions

• Manage stocktaking and kitchen efficiency

• Run the kitchen with the sou chef and train staff

• Maintain high food safety and hygiene standards

Requirements

• Relevant Cookery Qualifications

• Food Hygiene Certificate

• Strong communication skills

• Good understanding of cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures

• Experience with menu planning, bar planning, and costing

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in cookery or kitchen management

• Experience in a similar hospitality or catering environment preferred

Position Details

• Full-time role (30–50 hours per week)

• Must be available to work flexible hours, including weekends

• Hourly rate: $28-$31 per hour

If you have the skills and experience we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.