Head Chef

Hook Wanaka; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hook Wanaka invites a passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and deliver a fresh menu direction that reflects local ingredients and wood-fired dishes.

You will oversee all kitchen operations, train staff, manage stock and costs, and ensure strict food safety and quality. Join a lake-to-plate dining concept and shape seasonal menus in a supportive, energetic environment.

This is a hands-on role that rewards creativity, leadership, and a love of hospitality.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef experience.
• Strong leadership and team management.
• Passion for quality ingredients and innovation.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Solid understanding of food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop seasonal menus that reflect quality and creativity.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, and cost management.
• Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff.
• Create and manage the Food Control Plan and meet regulatory requirements.
• Maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Kitchen operations

Food safety

Time management

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.

Drive Innovation, lead the Hook Wanaka Kitchen.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and deliver a fresh look to our menu. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative culinary professional to take ownership of menu development, kitchen operations, and team leadership.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring consistent high standards of food quality, and presentation. You will lead, train, and inspire a team while maintaining a positive and efficient work environment.

With a fresh direction for the business, you will also play a key role in evolving and revitalising our menu.

Key Responsibilities

Design and develop seasonal summer and winter menus that reflect quality and creativity.

Manage kitchen operations, including stock control, ordering, and cost management.

Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff. Provide ongoing training and support.

Create and manage the Food Control Plan and meet all food handling, and other regulatory requirements.

Maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation.

Monitor kitchen performance and implement performance plans where needed.

What We’re Looking For

Proven experience as a Head Chef.

Strong leadership and team management skills.

Passion for food, innovation, and quality ingredients.

Excellent organisational and time management abilities.

Solid understanding of food safety standards.

Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

Opportunity to shape menus and showcase your creativity.

Fun, hardworking team environment.

About Hook Wanaka

Hook Wanaka offers a truly unique lake-to-plate dining experience. Guests can catch their own Chinook salmon from pristine, spring-fed lakes before enjoying it freshly prepared by our kitchen, alongside a menu of wood-fired pizzas and seasonal dishes. With a strong focus on quality local ingredients, relaxed hospitality, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, Hook is both a standout dining destination and a must-do Wanaka experience.

If you are ready to bring your culinary vision to life and lead an awesome kitchen team we would love to hear from you.