Chef de Partie

Be part of the next era of The Sands

The Sands Hokianga is entering an exciting new era of growth.

With newly refurbished accommodation, new guest experiences, expanded event and retreat opportunities, and further developments underway, we’re building something special in one of Aotearoa’s most remarkable destinations.

The opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced Chef de Partie to lead a station that is polished, consistent and calmly run. This is a hands-on operational role for someone with proven senior chef de partie experience who values genuine guest connection, quality food and the coastal lifestyle.

You’ll have the freedom to work across a varied kitchen — breakfast, à la carte, boat-cruise guests and functions — with real scope to bring seasonal and local Far North kai into a developing menu that supports our hauora kai direction.

You’ll focus on:

• Running your assigned station with confidence, with mise en place, production and service fully ready before the first order lands.
• Preparing food accurately to the approved recipes, portion sizes and plating standards, using timed cooking and scaled seasoning so every plate is consistent.
• Maintaining food safety, hygiene and stock control with disciplined preparation, first-in, first-out rotation, exact portioning and accurate records.
• Coaching junior kitchen team members and briefing the next shift face-to-face so standards hold across the team.

What you’ll bring

You’re a calm, organised senior cook who notices the details and enjoys helping others perform at their best. You bring consistency to the plate, discipline to the station and genuine care to every guest interaction.

You’ll bring:

• Demonstrated knowledge of kai Māori and customary food, including native and locally sourced food resources, maramataka and seasonal availability.

• Proven experience as a Chef de Partie, with senior Chef de Partie responsibility in a professional kitchen.

• Hands-on capability across multiple sections — pasta, grill, roast, pantry and pastry — in à la carte, hotel and high-volume catering or function service.

• Sound practical knowledge of food safety, personal hygiene, temperature control, allergen and gluten-free controls, and common dietary requirements.

• Strong organisation, time management and stock discipline, including prep lists, stock checks, requisitions, rotation and waste control.

• A positive, team-first approach, the confidence to lead a section independently and a genuine appetite to keep learning.

Food hygiene certification and a Licence Controller Qualification would be an advantage, and confidence with allergen, gluten-free and cross-contact controls is essential. You must be eligible and willing to obtain any certification required for the role.

Why join us?

• Shape a food experience that reflects the Hokianga setting, our regional produce and our evolving hauora kai direction.
• Bring your ideas to life across seasonal specials, local kai and ingredients, à la carte dishes and memorable functions.
• Grow your craft across breakfast, à la carte, boat-cruise guests and functions, with variety rather than one repeating station.
• Enjoy the coastal lifestyle while taking real ownership of your section with room to develop.

If you’re ready to cook with purpose and be part of a kitchen that guests remember and colleagues are proud of, we’d love to hear from you.

Ready for your next move?

Apply now with your CV and a short introduction telling us about your station experience, your food safety discipline and the ideas you would bring to The Sands Hokianga.

For any pātai, reach out to Aretha at [email protected].