Project Chef - fixed term

About us:

We are Robert Harris (RH), established in 1952. We are one of the most famous names in Coffee in New Zealand, with one of the largest coffee footprints in the country. Our Coffee beans are roasted locally in Auckland, and we are recognised for our great taste and consistent quality.

Why join us as our Project Chef

We have an exciting 3-month, fixed term opportunity for a Project Chef to join our Christchurch-based team (we would also consider candidates based in Auckland). You'll lead a review of the Robert Harris cabinet and ambient food offering, helping shape the future food strategy to deliver an enhanced customer experience, improved commercial outcomes, streamlined operational execution, and a stronger brand proposition.

What you'll be responsible for:

• Leading a detailed assessment of the current food offering across the Robert Harris network, analysing product performance to identify opportunities for growth optimisation.
• Working closely with franchisees and key stakeholders to capture operational insights and customer trends.
• Developing a nationally consistent mandatory food range in line with the Robert Harris brand guideline.
• Developing and implementing dietary standards that ensure all cafes offer suitable options.
• Supporting in the administration and implementation of Health, Safety and Wellbeing systems and programs.
• Adhering to the Robert Harris food control plan and all responsibilities relating to it.

Who are we looking for?

You're a passionate foodie who takes genuine pride in delivering exceptional food experiences. Whether your background comes from café ownership, hospitality operations, product development, or a similar environment, you have a strong appreciation for what makes a food offering both commercially successful and appealing to customers.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• A strong understanding of food trends, product quality, and customer expectations.
• The ability to assess existing offerings and identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Commercial awareness, with an understanding of how food decisions impact profitability, operations, and customer satisfaction.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage franchisees, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage projects and priorities effectively.
• Clean full drivers licence.

This full-time, fixed-term role is 40 hours per week, working Monday to Friday. While the position is based in Christchurch, we would also consider candidates based in Auckland. Ideally, you'll be available to start immediately.

Please apply today to join our Robert Harris team!