Head Chef – Multi-Outlet Mediterranean Kitchen Leader

EVT Limited; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site car parking provided

50% off dining and stays across EVT/QT

$2 movie tickets and discounts on Moon

Seasonal perks at Thredbo

Delicious staff meals, barista coffee

Rapid career growth across our hotel &

Job summary

EVT Limited is seeking a hands-on Head Chef for Esther at QT Auckland, reporting to Executive Chef James Laird and collaborating with Celebrity Chef Sean Connolly. This permanent, full-time role leads day-to-day kitchen operations across Esther, conferences, events and in-room dining.

You will own the kitchen's culinary journey, lead a high-performing team, and drive menus, costs and standards in a dynamic hotel setting with strong collaboration across outlets.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Sous Chef or Head Chef in a high-profile hotel or restaurant.
• Strong proficiency in Mediterranean cuisine.
• Able to lead a multi-outlet operation and call full service with confidence.
• Excellent leadership, feedback, and performance development skills.
• Solid labour management, rostering, and food-cost control.
• Willing to work a rotating roster including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and cook across Esther, conference and events and in-room dining, rolling up your sleeves on sections regularly and calling service on busy shifts with confidence and control.
• Recruit, develop and inspire a high-performing kitchen team, leading by example and taking both kitchen and front-of-house teams on a genuine culinary journey.
• Manage rosters, wage costs and labour efficiency with a positive, open-minded approach, working collaboratively with management to hit financial targets without compromising quality.
• Oversee food cost management, inventory ordering and stock rotation across all outlets, maintaining tight controls and producing accurate reporting.
• Write and evolve menus in collaboration with the hotel's culinary direction, staying across Mediterranean cuisine and current food trends while maintaining the standards the kitchen is known for.
• Ensure all kitchens operate to the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance, and act as the senior culinary leader across the hotel in the Executive Chef's absence.

Job description

EVT Limited is seeking a hands-on Head Chef for Esther at QT Auckland, reporting to Executive Chef James Laird and collaborating with Celebrity Chef Sean Connolly. This permanent, full-time role leads day-to-day kitchen operations across Esther, conferences, events and in-room dining.

You will own the kitchen's culinary journey, lead a high-performing team, and drive menus, costs and standards in a dynamic hotel setting with strong collaboration across outlets.