Head Chef | Wynyard Pavilion

NZ Venue Co LTD; Auckland; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to $20K

Staff discounts across 240+ venues

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

NZ Venue Co. is accepting applications for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Wynyard Pavilion, Auckland CBD, a premier waterfront venue experience with high-volume trade and a busy functions calendar.

You will drive menu development, manage food costs and labour, and lead from the front while mentoring a passionate team. The role offers a competitive salary, quarterly bonuses, and clear career progression within NZ Venue Co.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a Head Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Experience managing a large, high-volume kitchen operation.
• Strong commercial understanding including food costs, labour and kitchen performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a large kitchen team and ensure consistency across service.
• Drive menu development and maintain high food standards.
• Oversee cost control, budgeting and supplier relationships; ensure smooth function events.

Skills

Head Chef experience

High-volume kitchen leadership

Menu development

Cost control & staff coaching

Job description

Lead the kitchen at one of Auckland’s premier waterfront venues. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, Wynyard Pavilion is a vibrant waterfront destination known for its stunning views, exceptional atmosphere and diverse dining experiences. We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and take the venue to the next level. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a high-volume environment and is ready to make their mark within one of NZ Venue Co.’s flagship venues.

About the opportunity

Wynyard Pavilion operates a large-scale kitchen capable of delivering up to $60k+ in food sales per week during peak periods, alongside a busy functions calendar and consistent high-volume trade. The venue features a pizza oven and offers the opportunity for a creative Head Chef to drive menu development, maintain high food standards and continue building an exceptional dining experience for our guests.

What we’re looking for

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a Head Chef or similar senior kitchen leadership role
• Proven experience managing a large, high-volume kitchen operation
• Strong commercial understanding, including food costs, labour and kitchen performance
• A leader who is passionate about developing menus and elevating the venue offering
• Experience managing functions and large-scale service environments
• A hands‑on chef who leads from the front and inspires their team

The ideal candidate will be:

• Someone who is willing to grow and build a long‑term career with a large hospitality group
• A culinary leader who can drive the menu and take the venue to new heights
• A team‑focused individual who works closely with their team to create consistency, collaboration and a positive kitchen culture

Why join NZ Venue Co.

• Competitive salary + annual bonus of up to $20K paid quarterly
• Lead one of Auckland’s most recognised waterfront venues
• Opportunity to make your mark in a high-profile CBD location
• Career growth opportunities across NZ Venue Co.
• Be part of a supportive and passionate hospitality group
• Staff discounts across 240+ venues in Australia & NZ

Make your career one to remember at Aus Venue Co. The work you do will directly impact everyone of our customers and our aim is to ensure our employees are provided with the support and knowledge to exceed our customers’ expectations.

Australian Venue Co. promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through programs like AVC Pride for LGBTQIA+ support, Her Hospo for empowering women, and a First Nations Committee for reconciliation. We are committed to growing our understanding and engagement in diversity, equity and inclusion to build a more inclusive industry.

Turn your hospo job into a rewarding career Whether you’re already in a hospitality management role or you’re ready for career progression into management, you can take the next step with Australian Venue Co. We’re passionate about training & developing our team members and providing internal career advancement opportunities. At AVC, we turn hospo jobs into careers! Join our team & get access to our AdVanCe Career Pathways program, our in-house development program that is tailored to the hospitality industry. If your next step is to become a Duty Manager, Assistant Venue Manager or Venue Manager, we can support you on your career journey.