Head Chef

Tourism Holdings Pty; Waitomo Caves; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Discover Waitomo seeks a Head Chef to lead our kitchen at the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves, delivering memorable food experiences for domestic and international visitors. You will manage and mentor a talented team, balance creativity with commercial acumen, and drive profitability through menu development, stock control, and strict food-safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

This hands-on leadership role offers opportunities to shape guest experiences at a globally recognised

Qualifications

• NZQA Level 4 Cookery qualification or 5+ years' professional kitchen experience.
• Experience leading or supervising a kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, menu planning, stock & cost control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations and menus.
• Develop menu offerings and maintain food safety standards.
• Lead the kitchen team and manage stock, costs, and planning.
• Collaborate with Business Manager and F&B Manager.
• Work rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Menu planning

Stock management

Cost control

Communication

Organisational skills

Education

NZQA Level 4 Cookery Qualification

Job description

Lead a unique culinary experience in one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations.

Discover Waitomo is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations at the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated chef who combines creativity with strong commercial acumen. You'll play a key role in delivering exceptional food experiences, leading a talented team, and ensuring our food and beverage operation remains profitable, efficient, and customer-focused.

About the company:

Discover Waitomo is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism experiences, including the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the thrilling Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, Waitomo Homestead, and Kiwi Experience. Discover Waitomo is part of Tourism Holdings Limited (thl), a truly global business and leader in the RV industry, operating trusted brands such as Maui, Britz, Apollo, Mighty, El Monte RV, Road Bear, and Just Go.

About the Role:

As a full-time permanent Head Chef, you'll oversee the day-to-day kitchen operation, developing menu offerings, maintaining food safety standards, and driving a culture of excellence. Working closely with the Business Manager and Food & Beverage Manager, you'll lead the kitchen team while helping deliver memorable experiences for both domestic and international visitors. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll balance food preparation, team management, stock control, cost management, and operational planning.

What You'll Bring:

• NZQA Level 4 Cookery qualification or a minimum of five years' professional kitchen experience.
• Previous experience leading or supervising a kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, menu planning, stock management, and cost control.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
• A customer-focused mindset and commitment to quality.
• Reliability, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
• Availability to work a rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.
• Bonus points if you hold an LCQ and General Manager's Certificate.

Why Join Us?

At Discover Waitomo, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary talent in one of New Zealand's most recognised tourism destinations. You'll enjoy a varied role, lead a passionate team, and contribute to creating memorable experiences for thousands of visitors each year.

If you're a skilled chef ready to take ownership of a thriving kitchen operation and make your mark in a world-class tourism environment, we'd love to hear from you.