Head Chef | Walters Tavern

Nz Venue Co Ltd; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to $20K

Staff discounts

Renovated venue

Career progression

Development opportunities

Job summary

Walter's Tavern in Queenstown seeks an experienced Sous Chef ready to advance to Head Chef or an established Head Chef seeking a new opportunity in one of New Zealand's most exciting hospitality destinations.

The role involves owning the kitchen, leading a team through busy services, and maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and cost control in a busy Kiwi pub environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef.
• Strong pub, casual dining or high-volume kitchen experience.
• Confident leading a team and running a busy service.
• Organised, reliable and commercially minded.
• Hands-on chef who enjoys being part of the team.
• Wants to make their mark on a great local venue.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the kitchen and lead the team through busy services.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Manage kitchen operations, stock, ordering and food costs.
• Develop and maintain a menu that suits a busy Kiwi pub environment.
• Lead, train and develop your kitchen team.
• Work closely with the Venue Manager to keep the kitchen running efficiently.
• Stay hands-on during service and lead by example.
• Maintain strong food safety, hygiene and compliance standards.

Skills

Team leadership

High-volume kitchen

Food safety

Organised

Job description

Lead the kitchen of a recently renovated Kiwi pub in the heart of Queenstown.

Walter's Tavern is a fresh take on a classic Queenstown local, blending old-school pub charm with a contemporary feel. Located in the heart of town, the venue serves up hearty Kiwi pub favourites, seasonal dishes and elevated classics across a busy bar, upstairs dining space and outdoor terrace.

We're looking for an experienced Sous Chef ready to take the next step into a Head Chef role or an established Head Chef looking for a new opportunity in one of New Zealand's most exciting hospitality destinations.

What you'll be doing

• Take ownership of the kitchen and lead the team through busy services
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency
• Manage kitchen operations, stock, ordering and food costs
• Develop and maintain a menu that suits a busy Kiwi pub environment
• Lead, train and develop your kitchen team
• Work closely with the Venue Manager to keep the kitchen running efficiently
• Stay hands-on during service and lead by example
• Maintain strong food safety, hygiene and compliance standards

What we're looking for

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Sous Chef or previous Head Chef experience
• Strong pub, casual dining or high-volume kitchen experience
• Confident leading a team and running a busy service
• Organised, reliable and commercially minded
• A hands-on chef who enjoys being part of the team
• Someone who wants to make their mark on a great local venue

Why Choose Us?

• Competitive salary + annual bonus of up to $20K paid quarterly
• Staff discounts across 240+ venues in Australia & NZ
• Recently renovated venue in the heart of Queenstown
• Career progression within a growing, dynamic hospitality group
• Support from central teams including Marketing, Recruitment, IT & more
• Learning & development opportunities to enhance your skills
• The opportunity to live and work in New Zealand's adventure capital