restaurant chef

Boston cafe; Waitakere Ranges; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts on food and drinks

Flexible scheduling where possible

Career development and progression

Job summary

Boston Cafe in Hobsonville, Auckland is seeking an experienced Restaurant Chef to lead kitchen operations and deliver exceptional dining experiences. This full-time role involves managing food preparation, supervising staff, and upholding high standards of cuisine quality and food safety.

The ideal candidate will have formal culinary training and 3–5 years of chef experience, with strong leadership, a menu creativity mindset, and proficiency in diverse cooking techniques.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification or recognised hospitality training.
• 3–5 years' professional experience as a chef in a restaurant or similar.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and hygiene certification.
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and menu styles.
• Excellent organisational and time management under pressure.
• Leadership capability and experience supervising kitchen staff.
• Clear communication and collaboration within a team.
• Creative flair and passion for developing innovative menus.
• Attention to detail and consistent quality standards.
• Experience with kitchen management systems and food costing advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook dishes according to Boston Cafe's menu.
• Manage kitchen operations, including food ordering, inventory control and stock rotation.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and health regulations.
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff with guidance on techniques.
• Ensure all dishes meet quality standards before leaving the kitchen.
• Monitor food costs and portion sizes to maintain profitability.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to understand customer feedback.
• Develop and trial new menu items and seasonal specials.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance issues.
• Lead by example with professionalism and attention to detail.

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.

We are seeking an experienced Restaurant Chef to join the culinary team at Boston Cafe in Hobsonville, Auckland. This is a full-time position where you will play a central role in delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests. As Restaurant Chef, you will oversee kitchen operations, manage food preparation, and ensure the highest standards of cuisine quality and food safety are maintained consistently. This role is integral to our success and reputation within the hospitality and tourism sector.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and cook a variety of dishes according to Boston Cafe's menu specifications and recipes
• Manage kitchen operations, including food ordering, inventory control and stock rotation
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and health regulations at all times
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, providing guidance on food preparation techniques and standards
• Ensure all dishes meet quality standards before they leave the kitchen
• Monitor food costs and portion sizes to maintain profitability
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to understand customer feedback and preferences
• Develop and trial new menu items and seasonal specials
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance issues promptly
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, attention to detail and a commitment to excellence

What we are looking for

• Formal culinary qualification or recognised hospitality training in food preparation and cooking
• Minimum 3-5 years' professional experience working as a chef in a restaurant or similar hospitality environment
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, including food handling and hygiene certification
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and menu styles
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work efficiently under pressure during service periods
• Leadership capability and experience supervising kitchen staff
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Creative flair and a passion for developing innovative menu offerings
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining consistent quality standards
• Experience with kitchen management systems and food costing would be advantageous

What we offer

• At Boston Cafe, we are committed to fostering a positive and supportive work environment where our team members can thrive. We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with experience, along with opportunities for professional development and progression within the hospitality industry. We provide ongoing training to support your culinary skills and career growth, flexible scheduling where possible to support work-life balance, and a collaborative kitchen culture where creativity and innovation are valued. Staff benefits include employee discounts on food and beverages, and a workplace that celebrates culinary excellence and teamwork.

About us

Boston Cafe is a well-established hospitality venue located in Hobsonville, Auckland, dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences and outstanding customer service. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality cuisine, warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps our guests returning. Our mission is to create memorable culinary experiences that reflect our commitment to excellence, quality ingredients and skilled food preparation. We value our team members and believe that a passionate, motivated kitchen team is essential to our continued success and reputation in the Auckland hospitality and tourism sector.