Chef

HEAD CHEF / SENIOR SOUS CHEF | CENTRAL OTAGO
Lead a kitchen doing things differently.

Hospoworld is recruiting for an experienced Chef ready to take ownership, lead a team and help shape an established Central Otago hospitality operation.
You could already be a Head Chef looking for a fresh challenge.
Or you could be a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
Both profiles will be considered.
What matters most is your capability. Strong cooking skills. Calm leadership. Commercial awareness. High standards. Confidence without ego.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF KITCHEN
This is an established, family-owned hospitality business with multiple venues.
You will be based in one location, with the support and stability of the wider operation around you.
At the heart of the kitchen is a distinctive cooking system producing generous, flavour-driven food built around quality New Zealand meats and seafood, seasonal produce, house-made sauces and sharing-style dishes.
Previous experience with this style of cooking is not required. Curiosity is.
You need to learn what already works, understand the approach, then bring your own experience and ideas to the kitchen.
There will be a proper handover, giving you time to understand the food, systems, team and operation before taking full responsibility.

THE ROLE For an established Head Chef, this is an opportunity to take ownership and influence the future direction of the kitchen.
For a strong Senior Sous Chef, it offers a genuine pathway into Head Chef responsibility with the right support around you.
You will take responsibility for:

• Leading kitchen service and food standards
• Coaching and developing the kitchen team
• Menu development and seasonal ideas
• Managing food cost, stock, labour and waste
• Working closely with the owners and wider management team

WHAT YOU BRING Your current title matters less than what you can do.
You will bring:

• Strong commercial kitchen experience
• Confidence working with quality proteins and fresh produce
• Good organisation during busy service
• Sound commercial awareness around food and labour costs
• The ability to lead people, make decisions and earn the respect of your team

The style of leadership matters.

The business is looking for confidence without ego, good judgement and consistency.

WHY MAKE THE MOVE? You will get genuine responsibility and influence.
You will work in a kitchen with a cooking approach that is genuinely different.
You will receive a proper handover and support.
And you will be doing it in Central Otago, with its strong food and wine culture, outdoor lifestyle and some of New Zealand’s best scenery.
This is an opportunity for a Chef who wants to lead, contribute and build a kitchen they are proud to put their name behind.
If you are an established Head Chef looking for something different, or a Senior Sous Chef ready for your next move, we would like to hear from you.

Apply through SEEK with your CV.