Head Chef

Te Karaka Lodge; Waikato; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Job summary

Te Karaka Lodge is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead a small kitchen team in a luxury lodge setting. You will design and deliver high-quality menus, working with seasonal New Zealand produce, while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

You will mentor the kitchen team, manage costs and inventory, and work closely with management to maintain the lodge's reputation for quality and service. Accommodation is provided with the role.

Qualifications

• Head Chef or senior chef ready to take the next step.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Understanding of food costs, portion control, ordering and kitchen budgets.
• Genuine passion for quality seasonal food and NZ produce.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver high-quality lodge menus.
• Develop seasonal dishes showcasing New Zealand produce.
• Lead and mentor the small kitchen team and interact with guests.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and portions.
• Manage food costs, ordering and stock control.
• Ensure kitchen organisation, cleanliness and food safety.
• Collaborate with Lodge Management and Front of House for a seamless guest experience.
• Plan menus and kitchen requirements for private functions and events.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Menu planning

Food safety

Budgeting

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

Te Karaka Lodge is a luxury boutique lodge set on a beautiful 600-hectare working beef & sheep station, approximately 90 minutes from Auckland & Hamilton. With just 10 guest suites and a maximum of 20 overnight guests, the kitchen is all about quality over quantity. We create thoughtful, seasonal dining experiences for guests, using exceptional New Zealand produce.

About the role

This is a hands‑on leadership role suited to a chef who loves to cook and work in a small team. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the kitchen at Te Karaka Lodge. Accommodation is provided as part of your package so no late night commutes.

Key responsibilities

Create and deliver high-quality menus for lodge guests

Develop seasonal dishes that showcase excellent New Zealand produce, making as much in‑house as possible

Lead and mentor the small kitchen team and interact with guests

Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and portion control

Manage food costs, ordering and stock control

Ensure excellent kitchen organisation, cleanliness and food safety

Work closely with the Lodge Management and Front of House team to deliver a seamless guest experience

Plan menus and kitchen requirements for private functions, weddings (up to 50 guests) and corporate groups

Contribute ideas to continually develop the food offering

About you

Proven experience as a Head Chef or senior chef ready to take the next step

Strong leadership and communication skills

Confident working independently and taking ownership of a kitchen

Excellent attention to detail and high personal standards

Understanding of food costs, portion control, ordering and kitchen budgets

Genuine passion for quality seasonal food

Organised, calm and professional, particularly during busy service periods

Understanding of the importance of working collaboratively with Front of House

Excellent food safety and hygiene standards

Comfortable with a hands‑on role and happy to get involved across all aspects of the kitchen and working as a team

Relevant culinary qualification and current NZ work rights

Own reliable transport is essential for this position