Head Chef | Walters Tavern

New Zealand Venue Co.; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts across 240+ venues in

Annual bonus up to $20K

Job summary

Walter’s Tavern in Queenstown, recently renovated, seeks an experienced Sous Chef to drive the kitchen and progress to Head Chef. You will own kitchen operations, lead busy services, and contribute to menu evolution in a vibrant Kiwi pub environment.

Join a dynamic team in New Zealand’s adventure capital, with opportunities for career progression, development support, and a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef in pub/high-volume settings.
• Strong pub, casual dining or high-volume kitchen experience.
• Confident leading a team and running a busy service.
• Organised, reliable and commercially minded.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and supervise 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 suited to a busy Kiwi pub environment.
• Lead, train and develop your kitchen team.
• Work closely with the Venue Manager to run the kitchen efficiently.
• Stay hands-on during service and lead by example.
• Maintain strong food safety, hygiene and compliance standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team training

Food safety

Stock management

Menu development

High-volume kitchen

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 doingTake ownership of the kitchen and lead the team through busy servicesMaintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistencyManage kitchen operations, stock, ordering and food costsDevelop and maintain a menu that suits a busy Kiwi pub environmentLead, train and develop your kitchen teamWork closely with the Venue Manager to keep the kitchen running efficientlyStay hands-on during service and lead by exampleMaintain strong food safety, hygiene and compliance standardsWhat we’re looking forMinimum 2 years’ experience as a Sous Chef or previous Head Chef experienceStrong pub, casual dining or high-volume kitchen experienceConfident leading a team and running a busy serviceOrganised, reliable and commercially mindedA hands-on chef who enjoys being part of the teamSomeone who wants to make their mark on a great local venueWhy Choose Us?Competitive salary + annual bonus of up to $20K paid quarterlyStaff discounts across 240+ venues in Australia & NZRecently renovated venue in the heart of QueenstownCareer progression within a growing, dynamic hospitality groupSupport from central teams including Marketing, Recruitment, IT & moreLearning & development opportunities to enhance your skillsThe opportunity to live and work in New Zealand’s adventure capitalReady for your next step? Join the team at Walter’s Tavern.