Head Chef — Lead, Create & Elevate School Dining

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free uniforms

On-site parking

Subsidised accommodation

Health insurance discounts

Job summary

Compass Group New Zealand seeks a Head Chef for Kristin School to lead all kitchen operations, delivering high-quality food and catering aligned with client standards. You will oversee menu planning, food production, team leadership, stock management, and compliance, ensuring a memorable dining experience for students, staff, and visitors.

You will recruit and coach a high-performing kitchen team, drive menu development, and manage costs while upholding safety and quality across site operations.

Qualifications

• NZQA Level 4 Cookery Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum of four years of proven culinary experience.
• Proven leadership and mentoring of kitchen teams.
• Strong menu costing, stock control, and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage kitchen operations ensuring high-quality food and service delivery.
• Develop, cost, and manage menus addressing dietary, nutritional, and cultural requirements.
• Recruit, coach and develop kitchen team members fostering a high-performing culture.
• Manage stock control, purchasing, cost management, and supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, hygiene, and operational standards.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Team coaching

Stock management

Compliance

Communication

Customer-focused

Education

NZQA Level 4 Cookery Certificate

Job description

Compass Group New Zealand seeks a Head Chef for Kristin School to lead all kitchen operations, delivering high-quality food and catering aligned with client standards. You will oversee menu planning, food production, team leadership, stock management, and compliance, ensuring a memorable dining experience for students, staff, and visitors.

You will recruit and coach a high-performing kitchen team, drive menu development, and manage costs while upholding safety and quality across site operations.