Head Chef

Iconic New Zealand Tavern seeks Head Chef

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Chef to lead and elevate the kitchen in our renowned rural venue in the Waikato, driving excellence and growth. We are also on the look-out for an Experienced Chef to support the kitchen.

A down-to-earth spot where locals gather after work, road-trippers roll in for a feed, and each week is packed with live music, quiz nights, bingo and plenty of laughs. We serve good food, cold drinks, and real community.

Now we’re looking for a Head Chef (and an experienced Chef) who can bring that same energy into our kitchen and help shape the next chapter of the Red Fox Tavern.

WHAT THE ROLE LOOKS LIKE:

You’ll be the engine room leader — keeping the kitchen humming, the team inspired, and the food consistently great. Your day-to-day will include:

• Leading and mentoring a tight, hard-working kitchen crew
• Overseeing service and ensuring consistency across all dishes
• Developing seasonal menus and creative weekly specials
• Managing ordering, stock and supplier relationships
• Maintaining food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards
• Working closely with management to keep our offering fresh, approachable, and crowd-pleasing

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WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Someone who:

• Has proven Head Chef or Senior Sous experience
• Leads from the front and brings calm, confidence, and care
• Loves honest, flavour-packed food — pub classics done well
• Can design menus that are cost-effective without cutting quality
• Enjoys working in a lively, community-driven environment
• Brings ideas, creativity, and pride to the plate 
• Flexible working hours including Public Holidays

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WHAT YOU’LL GET:

• Competitive salary and stable full-time hours
• Freedom to influence menus and put your stamp on our food
• Supportive management and a genuinely good team culture
• A role where your work is appreciated by locals, visitors and staff alike
• The chance to shape a kitchen in a venue full of character and history

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If you’re ready to lead the kitchen of an iconic tavern, where the atmosphere is warm, the team is solid, and the community is real — we’d love to hear from you.

All candidates must have the legal right to work in NZ. If your experience fits the brief, then we want you!