Kitchen Manager / Chef

Westbrook Vineyards Ltd; Waimauku; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Daytime hours only (no late nights)

Flexible roster options (2–5 days)

Job summary

Westbrook Winery in Waimauku, North-West Auckland, is seeking a Kitchen Lead starting September. You will lead the kitchen on rostered days, ensuring smooth operations, high-quality presentation, and a positive team environment. Flexible 2-5 day week arrangements available.

Daytime hours only with no late finishes, a scenic vineyard setting, and on-site parking. This role offers full-time or part-time rosters across 7 days, depending on staffing needs. NZ work rights required.

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy kitchen environment is required.
• Strong presentation and consistency under pressure.
• Reliable, hands-on, adaptable, and a team player.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present artisan food platters, pizzas, and light bites to high standards.
• Maintain Food Safety compliance with FCP.
• Manage kitchen stock, ordering, and inventory rotation.
• Lead and mentor weekend kitchen staff.
• Contribute ideas for seasonal menu updates.

Skills

Busy kitchen experience

Leadership & mentoring

Food presentation

Reliability & adaptability

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ideally starting in September, you will lead the kitchen during your rostered days, ensuring smooth operations, high quality presentation, and a positive team environment. Whether you are looking for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days a week, a flexible job-sharing option is available that could ideally fit around your lifestyle.

Key responsibilities

• Preparing & presenting artisan food platters, pizzas, and light bites to high standards
• Maintaining Food Safety compliance in line with the Food Control Plan (FCP)
• Kitchen stock management, ordering, and inventory rotation
• Leading and mentoring the friendly weekend kitchen hands
• Contributing creative ideas for seasonal menu updates

About you

• Time spent in a busy kitchen environment
• Great eye for presentation & consistency, and cool under pressure
• Reliable, hands-on, adaptable, and a great team player
• Comfortable working weekends and busy holiday periods (including Christmas/New Year peak)
• Driver's licence or reliable transport
• Valid NZ work rights (Work Visa / Residency / Citizenship)

About us

Westbrook Winery is a boutique, family-friendly venue located in picturesque Waimauku (North-West Auckland, just 7 mins from Kumeu). We offer daytime hours only with no late night finishes, a relaxed scenic vineyard environment, free on-site parking for all staff, and a positive, collaborative culture where ideas are welcomed.

• Daytime hours only with no late night finishes
• Beautiful workplace in a relaxed, scenic vineyard environment
• Simple & rewarding menu focused on quality over complexity with no exhausting dinner service
• Full-time or Part-time roster options across 7 days
• Free on-site parking for all staff
• Supportive team with a positive, collaborative culture