Lead Cafe Chef: Creative Menu & Kitchen Leadership

Project Employ; Devonport-Takapuna; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Flourish Cafe in Takapuna, Auckland, seeks an experienced Cafe Chef to lead our kitchen and deliver high-quality cafe dishes. You will manage prep, cooking, presentation, and collaboration with front-of-house to ensure exceptional service.

The role requires 3–5 years in a fast-paced cafe kitchen, strong food safety knowledge, and leadership abilities. Competitive remuneration and development opportunities are offered in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in a fast-paced cafe/restaurant kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and health/safety compliance.
• Proficient in a range of cooking techniques with consistent results.
• Excellent time management during peak service periods.
• Leadership and ability to train junior kitchen staff.
• Creativity and passion for developing menu items.
• Attention to detail and high standards of food quality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of cafe menu items across breakfast, lunch, and specials.
• Manage food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation to high standards.
• Oversee kitchen hygiene, food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Control food costs via stock management and waste minimisation.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff; foster teamwork.
• Coordinate with front-of-house for smooth service and feedback handling.
• Maintain and clean equipment; ensure tools are in good condition.
• Develop new menu items and seasonal specials responsive to trends.
• Manage food orders, stock rotation and inventory levels.

Skills

Cafe kitchen experience

Food safety knowledge

Cooking techniques

Time management

Leadership & communication

Creativity & menu development

Attention to detail

Job description

Flourish Cafe in Takapuna, Auckland, seeks an experienced Cafe Chef to lead our kitchen and deliver high-quality cafe dishes. You will manage prep, cooking, presentation, and collaboration with front-of-house to ensure exceptional service.

The role requires 3–5 years in a fast-paced cafe kitchen, strong food safety knowledge, and leadership abilities. Competitive remuneration and development opportunities are offered in a supportive environment.