Head Chef & FOH Couple - Innovative Company

We are a newly opened, 10-bedroom boutique Lodge and restaurant, two hours outside of Auckland.  Te Karaka Lodge offers a high standard dining experience catering up to 20 overnight guests with stunning views of the rural farm style surroundings.  It is also the perfect venue for conferences, wellness retreats, special occasions and intimate weddings. 

We are looking for a Head Chef or Head Chef & FOH couple to join our small team.   Package includes accommodation on the station. 

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Head Chef to join our team at this beautiful, luxury Lodge. As Head Chef, you will play a pivotal role in creating memorable culinary experiences for our guest, ensuring that the highest standards of food quality, taste and presentation.

Responsibilities: 

• Good leader with excellent communication skills.
• Manage kitchen employees through rostering & training. 
• Collaborate with the Lodge General Managers to ensure seamless coordination and execution of food service for inhouse guests and private events.
• Develop menus, show casing local New Zealand produce. 
• Monitor presentation of all food served to guests and ensure that appearance and quality are consistent.
• Monitor and control departmental expenditures to ensure meeting operational standards while maintaining annual budget.
• Plan and manage the procurement, production, preparation, and presentation of all food in the Lodge in a safe, sanitary, cost-effective manner.
• To have great organisational skills and the ability to problem solve and make decisions.  
• Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
• Understanding of current Health & Safety obligations, ensuring the Kitchen is fully compliant to the SOP's, Policies, procedures, and service standards. 
• Confident driver and flexible to help pick up food & other supplies. 
• Actively willing to help maintain green house for produce production. 
• Helping outside the kitchen with all reasonable Lodge Manager requests. 

Experience: 

• 3 years’ experience as Head Chef.
• Experience working in fine dining kitchens & leading teams while building a great culture and kitchen environment.
• Conference and groups catering experience.

We invite you to apply for the opportunity by submitting your application to [email protected]