Head Chef: Wood-Fired Pizza & Pub Kitchen Leader

New Zealand Venue Co.; Taupo; Remote; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Staff discounts

Kitchen ownership

Job summary

Finn’s Taupō, a bustling Taupō pub, seeks a Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen with passion for great pub food and wood-fired pizza. You will drive menu standards, coach the team and ensure smooth service, keeping costs in check while delivering consistent quality.

You’ll stay hands-on during peak times, mentor staff, and partner with venue leadership on menu improvements, specials and a vibrant kitchen culture.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a senior kitchen leadership role.
• Experience in a busy pub or high-volume hospitality.
• Pizza experience with a wood-fired oven.
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and stock control.
• Hands-on leader able to stay calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, setting the standard for food and service.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, preparation and service.
• Deliver consistent, quality food across the pub menu and wood-fired pizza offering.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and kitchen budgets.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness and compliance.
• Train and develop team members while building a positive kitchen culture.
• Stay hands-on during service and lead by example when things get busy.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

High-volume hospitality

Pizza oven experience

Food cost control

Staff development

Tools

Wood-fired pizza oven

Job description

Finn’s Taupō, a bustling Taupō pub, seeks a Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen with passion for great pub food and wood-fired pizza. You will drive menu standards, coach the team and ensure smooth service, keeping costs in check while delivering consistent quality.

You’ll stay hands-on during peak times, mentor staff, and partner with venue leadership on menu improvements, specials and a vibrant kitchen culture.