Pizza Chef

Pizza Chef – Hook Wānaka

Location: 49 Monteith Road, Albert Town, Wānaka, Otago
Position: Full-Time
Hours: Minimum 30 guaranteed hours per week, with up to 40 hours per week
Pay Rate: NZD $32–$35 per hour

About Hook Wānaka

Hook Wānaka is a unique lake-to-plate dining destination in Albert Town, where guests can catch fresh salmon and enjoy quality food in a relaxed lakeside setting. Our menu features fresh salmon, seasonal dishes and wood-fired pizzas, served in a welcoming restaurant overlooking our spring-fed lakes.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Pizza Chef to join our kitchen team and help deliver consistently high-quality pizzas and an excellent dining experience for our guests.

About the Role

As our Pizza Chef, you will be responsible for the preparation, cooking and presentation of pizzas, ensuring that every dish meets our quality standards. You will play an important role in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, maintaining food safety standards and working collaboratively with the wider kitchen team.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare pizza dough, sauces and fresh toppings in accordance with established recipes and quality standards.
• Prepare, assemble and cook pizzas using the restaurant's pizza oven.
• Monitor cooking temperatures and timings to ensure consistent quality and presentation.
• Prepare ingredients and maintain adequate stock levels for daily service.
• Assist with menu development, seasonal specials and improvements to pizza offerings.
• Monitor ingredient freshness, minimise food waste and assist with stock rotation and ordering.
• Maintain a clean, organised and hygienic workstation in accordance with New Zealand food safety requirements.
• Follow all health, safety and food hygiene procedures.
• Coordinate with other kitchen staff to ensure timely and efficient service during busy periods.
• Assist with general kitchen preparation and other reasonable culinary duties as required.

Skills and Experience

The successful applicant will ideally have:

• At least 2 years of relevant professional kitchen experience, including pizza preparation and cooking.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and cooking pizzas in a commercial kitchen.
• Knowledge of pizza dough preparation, ingredient handling, oven operation and cooking techniques.
• The ability to maintain consistent food quality and presentation during busy service periods.
• Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and kitchen health and safety practices.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A reliable, positive attitude and a genuine passion for food.

Relevant culinary qualifications are desirable but not essential where equivalent practical experience can be demonstrated.

What We Offer

• A competitive hourly rate of $32–$35, depending on skills and experience.
• A minimum of 30 guaranteed hours per week, with the opportunity to work up to 40 hours depending on operational requirements.
• The opportunity to work in a unique lakeside restaurant in beautiful Wānaka.
• A supportive and collaborative kitchen team.
• The opportunity to contribute to seasonal menus and the ongoing development of our food offering.

Pay: $32.00 – $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 30.0 per week

Work Location: In person