Kitchen Manager

About the role

Bacon Brothers is seeking an experienced and passionate Kitchen Manager to lead our culinary operations in Christchurch Central Canterbury. This is a full-time position that offers an exciting opportunity to manage a dynamic kitchen team and ensure the highest standards of food preparation, quality, and safety. As Kitchen Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, maintaining our reputation for excellence, and driving the success of our food service delivery. This role is pivotal to our hospitality business and will report directly to senior management.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and mentor kitchen staff to maintain high performance standards and foster a positive team environment
• Oversee food preparation, cooking and plating to ensure consistency, quality and adherence to recipes and presentation standards
• Manage inventory, ordering and stock control of ingredients and kitchen supplies to minimise waste and optimise costs
• Implement and maintain strict health, safety and food hygiene protocols in compliance with local regulations and company standards
• Plan menus and work with senior management to develop new dishes and seasonal offerings
• Monitor kitchen equipment maintenance and arrange repairs or replacements as needed
• Train kitchen staff on food safety, proper cooking techniques and company procedures
• Manage kitchen budgets and control food costs whilst maintaining quality standards
• Ensure efficient workflow and communication between kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Conduct regular quality checks and implement continuous improvement initiatives

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5 years' experience working in a professional kitchen environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role

• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards and health regulations relevant to the hospitality industry

• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a team in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines

• Proficiency with kitchen management systems and stock control software

• Culinary qualifications (such as City & Guilds or equivalent) or demonstrated professional cooking experience

• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff

• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation

• Physical capability to work in a demanding kitchen environment with extended standing and exposure to heat

• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends as required

• Experience in a similar hospitality or restaurant setting is highly desirable

• Neapolitan or wood-fired experience

• Familiarity with sourdough or long-fermentation methods

• Experience developing a dough recipe from scratch

• Hands-on experience making pizza from scratch in a working kitchen

• Genuine skill at hand-stretching — even bases, good Cirincione, no tearing

• Understanding of how flour, hydration, salt, yeast, and time interact

• Knowledge of cooking over charcoal and using an Asado grill

What we offer

Bacon Brothers is committed to supporting the wellbeing and professional development of our team members. We offer competitive remuneration, opportunities for career progression within the hospitality sector, and a supportive workplace culture. We provide ongoing training and development to help you enhance your culinary and management skills. Our team benefits from a collaborative working environment where your contributions are valued and recognised. We also offer staff discounts and access to wellness initiatives to support your health and wellbeing outside of work.

About us

Bacon Brothers is a respected hospitality business dedicated to delivering exceptional food and service experiences to our guests. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, creativity and customer satisfaction. With a strong focus on authentic cooking, fresh ingredients and professional standards, Bacon Brothers has established itself as a valued destination in the Christchurch hospitality scene. Our team is passionate about food and hospitality, and we foster an environment where staff can develop their skills and build rewarding careers in the industry.

If you are an experienced Kitchen Manager looking for an exciting new opportunity with a growing hospitality business, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join the Bacon Brothers team and help us continue to deliver outstanding culinary experiences to our guests.