Lead Chef - Line Chef

About the role

Want to join us in the Bay of Islands to make your mark in an exciting hospitality and tourism team? We are gearing up now for a busy Spring/Summer and have a new position available to start later August/early September. As Lead Chef, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality, consistency, food safety, and team leadership throughout service. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a confident chef who enjoys leading and uplifting a small kitchen team in a fast-paced café and events environment, including cruise-ship catering and private functions. We like to maximise flavour and manākitanga, so looking for solid experience, calm under pressure and a passion for delivering a flavourful daily menu and a unique Te Tai Tokerau Northland inspired event and cruise menu.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee full kitchen operations, workflow, and timing during service
• Lead, supervise, empower and train the kitchen team (Line Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Bakers)
• Maintain consistency in food quality, portion control, and presentation
• Create daily and weekly prep plans and allocate kitchen tasks effectively
• Create cruise ship canape, buffet and special events menu's and lift the team to deliver these events
• Manage stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships
• Ensure all Food Control Plan (FCP) documentation is followed and completed
• Work closely with the Café Manager and team on menu planning, cost control (COGS), and waste reduction
• Communicate clearly with Front of House to ensure smooth and efficient service

About you

• Qualified Chef (formal culinary qualification required)
• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior / Lead Chef
• Strong leadership and team-management skills
• Solid understanding of food safety and compliance (FCP experience essential)
• Ability to manage prep, stock, and costs efficiently
• Calm, organised, and solutions-focused under pressure

About us

Keteriki Limited is a registered charity and joint venture partnership between the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust and Nga Tangariki o Ngati Hine Trust. The primary function is for the operation of a tourism experience that encompasses both rail and steamboat journeys in the Bay of Islands. The business also has extensive training and employment responsibilities and currently employs over 30 staff in tourism, civil, and environmental maintenance opportunities. Based in Kawakawa the team is innovative, passionate and focused on growing opportunities for our people and community.