Head Chef

HEAD CHEF

Spaghetti House Pizzeria & Grill

Full-Time, Permanent  •  Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Do you have a passion for authentic Italian cooking and the leadership skills to run a busy, guest-loved kitchen? Island Hotels Limited is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Spaghetti House Pizzeria & Grill — one of The Edgewater Resort & Spa's most popular dining outlets.

Reporting to the Executive Chef, you'll take full ownership of day-to-day kitchen operations, food standards, and team leadership within the outlet, delivering consistent, high-quality Italian cuisine that reflects Spaghetti House's distinct identity within the resort.

What You'll Be Doing

●        Leading daily kitchen operations across all meal periods, from preparation through to service

●        Preparing and cooking Italian dishes to standard, including pasta, pizza, sauces, and specials

●        Maintaining consistency in taste, presentation, and portioning across every shift

●        Driving menu development — new pasta dishes, pizza toppings, and seasonal specials — in line with the Executive Chef's culinary direction

●        Managing stock levels, ordering, and food waste reduction to protect food cost targets

●        Maintaining a clean, organised, and efficient kitchen in line with resort and HACCP-aligned food safety standards

●        Leading, mentoring, and developing the kitchen brigade, including through the Step Up Programme

●        Working closely with the Front of House team to ensure smooth service and communication during peak periods

●        Keeping the Executive Chef informed through timely handover and communication on outlet performance

What We're Looking For

●        Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, ideally within an Italian restaurant or pizzeria environment

●        Strong command of Italian cuisine, including pasta and pizza preparation

●        Sound understanding of food safety systems, HACCP principles, and hygiene standards

●        Solid grasp of stock control, ordering, and food cost management

●        Confident leadership and people management skills, with the ability to run a kitchen team under pressure

●        Excellent communication skills for liaising with the Executive Chef, Front of House, and kitchen staff

●        High standards of cleanliness, presentation, and attention to detail

●        Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as resort operations require

Why Join Island Hotels Limited

Live and work in Rarotonga, one of the world's most breathtaking island settings. Join a proud local hospitality group with a genuine commitment to culinary excellence, team development, and delivering unforgettable guest experiences — with the backing and mentorship of an Executive Chef and wider resort culinary leadership team.