Head Chef

Plateau Restaurant; Taupo; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Plateau Bar & Eatery in Taupo seeks an exceptional Head Chef to lead our kitchen, shape menus, and deliver outstanding dining experiences. You will drive food quality, mentor a talented team, and work with owners who value continuous improvement and excellence.

You will lead all kitchen operations, manage costs, ensure safety and hygiene, and collaborate with management to create memorable guest experiences in a busy à la carte environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a professional kitchen in a busy à la carte environment.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop a high‑performing team.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Experience with food costing, labour management and kitchen operations.
• Creative and innovative approach to menu development, with fusion cuisine knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen team.
• Preparing and presenting high‑quality dishes during lunch and dinner service.
• Designing and evolving seasonal menus that reflect Plateau's dining philosophy.
• Managing food costs, stock control, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Preparing kitchen rosters and managing labour costs within budget.
• Maintaining exceptional food safety, hygiene and Health & Safety standards.
• Ensuring consistency, presentation and quality across every dish served.
• Working collaboratively with the restaurant management team to deliver outstanding guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Menu development

Food costing

Labour management

Communication

Job description

Head Chef – Plateau Bar & Eatery | Taupo

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.

Lead one of Taupo's premier dining destinations.

Plateau Bar & Eatery is seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead our kitchen and help shape the next chapter of one of Taupo's most established restaurants.

Located in the heart of Taupo, Plateau has built a reputation for delivering exceptional food, warm hospitality, and memorable dining experiences. We are passionate about creating modern dishes that showcase premium New Zealand ingredients, influenced by contemporary fusion cuisine with Pacific and Asian flavours.

This is more than just a Head Chef role. It is an opportunity to take ownership of a well-established kitchen, lead a talented team, and work alongside supportive owners who are committed to continuous improvement, innovation and excellence.

About the role

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for leading all aspects of our kitchen operation while remaining hands‑on during service. You will drive food quality, consistency and creativity while ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently, safely and profitably.

• Leading, mentoring and developing the kitchen team.
• Preparing and presenting high‑quality dishes during lunch and dinner service.
• Designing and evolving seasonal menus that reflect Plateau's dining philosophy.
• Managing food costs, stock control, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Preparing kitchen rosters and managing labour costs within budget.
• Maintaining exceptional food safety, hygiene and Health & Safety standards.
• Ensuring consistency, presentation and quality across every dish served.
• Working collaboratively with the restaurant management team to deliver outstanding guest experiences.

About you

We're looking for someone who:

• Is an experienced Head Chef or an accomplished Sous Chef ready to take the next step.
• Has proven experience leading a professional kitchen in a busy à la carte environment.
• Is passionate about mentoring, developing and inspiring a high‑performing team.
• Demonstrates excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Has strong experience with food costing, labour management and kitchen operations.
• Thrives under pressure while maintaining exceptional standards and attention to detail.
• Brings creativity and innovation to menu development.
• Has experience with fusion cuisine. Experience or a genuine passion for Pacific and Asian cuisine will be a distinct advantage.

What we offer

• A permanent, full-time leadership position (minimum 40 hours per week).
• A competitive salary package based on experience. $100,000 per annum.
• The opportunity to lead one of Taupo's respected dining destinations.
• A supportive ownership team that values creativity, professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Creative input into menu development and the future direction of the restaurant.
• The opportunity to build and lead a kitchen culture focused on excellence, teamwork and hospitality.

If you're passionate about exceptional food, outstanding leadership and creating memorable dining experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain the appropriate work visa.