Head Chef - Kaiora Cafe, Auckland

Compass Group New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career growth in premium hospitality

Employee benefits

Job summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking a visionary Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a top-tier corporate site in Auckland CBD. You’ll design menus, manage costing, and mentor a skilled culinary team to deliver world-class dining experiences.

With a Level 4 Cookery Certificate and NZQA Food Handling Certificates, you will drive safety, quality, and presentation in a high-end environment. Monday–Friday daytime hours; NZ residency or valid work visa required.

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 4 Cookery Certificate (or equivalent) and NZQA Food Handling Certificates (Units 167 & 168).
• Minimum 4 years' experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Natural leader with strong communication skills and a passion for mentoring others.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations, including menu design, costing, and daily production.
• Inspire and coach a talented culinary team to deliver excellence.
• Oversee ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships to maintain quality and budget control.
• Champion the highest standards in food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance.
• Collaborate with clients and colleagues to elevate the guest experience.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Staying calm under pressure

Education

Level 4 Cookery Certificate

NZQA Food Handling Certificates (Units 167 & 168)

Job description

Tumuaki Kaitunu - Tāmaki Makaurau Pokapū

Lead culinary innovation in one of Auckland's most prestigious corporate environments.

At Restaurant Associates, we redefine workplace dining through creativity, precision, and unforgettable food experiences. As the face of our culinary leadership in this flagship venue, you'll set the standard for premium corporate dining while nurturing a high-performing, passionate team.

He Angitūtanga / The Opportunity

We're looking for a visionary Head Chef to lead the team at one of our top-tier corporate client retail sites in the Auckland CBD.

It’s a rare opportunity to set the tone, build your team, and deliver world-class food experiences in a high-end environment where quality, presentation, and innovation are non-negotiable. This is a Permanent Full-Time position with Monday-Friday daytime hours - no weekends, or public holidays.

Ōu Kawenga / Your Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations, including innovative menu design, costing, and daily production
• Inspire and coach a talented culinary team to consistently deliver excellence
• Oversee ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships to maintain quality and budget control
• Champion the highest standards in food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance
• Collaborate with clients and colleagues to continuously elevate the guest experience

He Kōrero Mōu / About You

• Hold a Level 4 Cookery Certificate (or equivalent) and NZQA Food Handling Certificates (Units 167 & 168)
• Minimum 4 years' experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role
• Natural leader with strong communication skills and a passion for mentoring others
• Calm under pressure, solution-focused, and proud of your craft
• Physically fit, reliable, and meticulous about hygiene, detail, and presentation
• Genuinely passionate about high-end service and proud to stand out from the crowd

He aha te take e mahi ai ki Restaurant Associates? / Why Restaurant Associates?

At Restaurant Associates, you'll join a team where excellence is expected and celebrated. We offer:

• A competitive salary with bonus potential
• The opportunity to lead in our newest premium hospitality venture
• Career pathways within the group, one of the world's largest food service providers
• Flexible working, employee assistance programmes, and industry-leading benefits
• A culture that celebrates creativity, values individuality, and recognises greatness

Mō Mātou / About Us

Restaurant Associates is part of Compass Group NZ. We bring an inspired, boutique approach to the workplace dining, cultural, and event spaces we serve. With elegance, attention to detail, and a relentless drive to impress— We turn everyday moments into exceptional ones—and our people are what make it possible. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building inclusive, supportive teams that reflect the communities we serve. Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa and be able to pass pre-employment checks.

Kia rite ki te tuku i te manaakitanga mārika me te tiaki hoki.

Be ready to offer genuine hospitality and care.

Restaurant Associates | Distinctive Experiences | Remarkable People