Head Chef — Lead Multi-Stream Kitchen Team

Ayrburn Precinct; Arrowtown; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ayrburn Precinct in Arrowtown, NZ seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead a dynamic, high-volume kitchen spanning café, restaurant, bakery and events. You will manage a diverse team, drive food quality and customer experience, and work with senior leadership on strategic goals.

Applicants must have 2+ years as Head Chef in a busy venue, strong organisational skills, and a commercial mindset. NZ working rights required; immediate start possible.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience as Head Chef in a high-volume venue.
• Proven ability to lead large, multi-functional teams.
• Highly organised, adaptable and solutions-focused.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire teams across café, restaurant, bakery, pastry & pizza.
• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations and enforce policies.
• Drive high-performance culture focused on exceptional food quality and customer experience.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to meet strategic goals.
• Identify opportunities for growth, improvement and innovation.
• Assist with menu development and execution.
• Understand budgets, food and labour costs and wage control.
• Manage recruitment, training, performance, and succession planning.
• Monitor kitchen equipment, stock takes and safety compliance.
• Maintain logs, cleanliness and stock/expense management.

Job description

Ayrburn Precinct in Arrowtown, NZ seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead a dynamic, high-volume kitchen spanning café, restaurant, bakery and events. You will manage a diverse team, drive food quality and customer experience, and work with senior leadership on strategic goals.

Applicants must have 2+ years as Head Chef in a busy venue, strong organisational skills, and a commercial mindset. NZ working rights required; immediate start possible.