Head Chef: Wood-Fired Pub Kitchen Leader

NZ Venue Co LTD; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to $20K

Staff discounts across 240+ venues in.

Own kitchen leadership opportunity

Job summary

NZ Venue Co LTD is seeking an experienced Head Chef for Finn’s Taupō, a busy gastro pub in Taupō CBD. You will lead the kitchen, drive the food offering, and keep service running smoothly in a fast-paced pub environment.

You will manage costs, oversee stock and lead a hands-on kitchen team, with a wood-fired pizza oven and diverse menu. The role offers growth and a chance to shape the kitchen culture and standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a senior kitchen leadership role.
• Experience in a busy pub or high-volume hospitality environment.
• Pizza experience, wood-fired oven preferred.
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations, food costs and stock control.
• Ability to lead, coach and develop a team.
• Hands-on approach and work ethic.
• Stay calm, organised and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Passion for hospitality and great food.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, setting standards for food and service.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, prep and service.
• Deliver consistent, quality food across the menu and wood-fired offerings.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and budgets.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and cleanliness.
• Collaborate with leadership on menus, specials and improvements.
• Train and develop team members and foster a positive kitchen culture.
• Stay hands-on during service and lead by example.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

High-volume hospitality

Pizza experience

Food costs & stock control

Hands-on leadership

Calm under pressure

Hospitality passion

Tools

Wood-fired pizza oven

Job description

NZ Venue Co LTD is seeking an experienced Head Chef for Finn’s Taupō, a busy gastro pub in Taupō CBD. You will lead the kitchen, drive the food offering, and keep service running smoothly in a fast-paced pub environment.

You will manage costs, oversee stock and lead a hands-on kitchen team, with a wood-fired pizza oven and diverse menu. The role offers growth and a chance to shape the kitchen culture and standards.