Head Chef/Kitchen Manager

Kitchen Manager / Head Chef – Red Star Burger Bar

Location: Wānaka, Otago
Job type: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week
Pay: $35.00–$40.00 per hour, depending on experience and skills
Start date: As soon as possible

Red Star Burger Bar is a well-established Wānaka burger business with a strong local following and an experienced existing team.

We are looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager / Head Chef to lead our kitchen team while remaining hands-on with food preparation and service.

This is a practical chef role with responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, food quality, kitchen standards and leadership of a team of 6–8 staff. You will be supported by an Assistant Kitchen Manager and an experienced kitchen team.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food to a consistently high standard during service
• Lead and supervise the kitchen team during preparation and service
• Organise daily kitchen operations and ensure service runs efficiently
• Maintain food quality, presentation and portion control
• Assist with menu development and create burger specials
• Develop and maintain recipes and food preparation procedures
• Manage food preparation, stock levels and ordering
• Monitor food costs, wastage and kitchen efficiency
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness
• Train, support and develop kitchen team members
• Assist with staff rostering and allocation of kitchen duties
• Ensure kitchen equipment and facilities are maintained and used safely
• Lead by example and work alongside the team during busy services

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• At least 3 years' relevant commercial chef experience
• Strong practical cooking and food preparation skills
• Experience supervising or leading a kitchen team
• Good knowledge of food safety and kitchen hygiene requirements
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy commercial kitchen
• Good communication and organisational skills
• Ability to train and support less experienced kitchen staff
• A positive, reliable and professional approach
• A genuine interest in food quality and menu development

A relevant NZQF Level 4 or higher culinary qualification, or an equivalent overseas qualification, is preferred but not essential where the applicant has the required relevant commercial chef experience.

What we offer

• $35.00–$40.00 per hour depending on experience and skills
• Performance-based bonuses
• Minimum 30 hours per week
• Duty Manager's licence paid for where required
• Supportive owners and an experienced team
• Good work/life balance
• Opportunity to contribute ideas and develop the menu
• Employee discount and staff meals
• Professional development opportunities

NZ citizens and residents are encouraged to apply. Visa sponsorship may be available for a suitable candidate who meets the requirements.

If you're an experienced chef who enjoys being hands-on while leading a team and taking responsibility for a busy kitchen, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a short introduction outlining your relevant experience.

Pay: $35.00 – $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Free food
• Professional development assistance
• Visa sponsorship

Work Location: In person