(CHC) Head Chef-Prebbleton, Prebbleton
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DKW Recruitment

(CHC) Head Chef-Prebbleton

  • Posted Today
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Prebbleton

Job Description

- Head Chef

- New Cafe/Restaurant | Prebbleton | November

- Exceptional opportunity for an exceptional culinary leader.


Our client has is a well established and respected hospitality group operating a portfolio of successful cafés, restaurants and catering operations across Canterbury.


With an exciting new hospitality venue opening in Prebbleton, we are seeking an outstanding, highly experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen, shape the culinary direction and establish an exceptional dining experience from day one.


This is an opportunity for a passionate, creative and commercially astute culinary professional who has successfully led high-end kitchens and understands what it takes to deliver outstanding food, impeccable presentation, exceptional consistency and a memorable guest experience.


We are not simply looking for someone to manage a kitchen. We are looking for a culinary leader who can create, inspire, innovate and deliver excellence.


THE OPPORTUNITY


As Head Chef, you will take full ownership of the kitchen's culinary and operational performance, playing an integral role in the successful launch and ongoing success of this exciting new venue.


Reporting directly to the Back of House Operations Manager, you will lead a professional kitchen team, develop innovative menus and establish the systems, standards and culture required to operate a premium hospitality establishment.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES


- Culinary Excellence & Menu Development

- Design, develop and execute exceptional seasonal menus across breakfast, lunch and dinner services.

- Bring creativity, innovation and contemporary culinary techniques to the dining experience.

- Deliver outstanding food quality, flavour, consistency and presentation.

- Develop signature dishes that establish the venue's culinary identity and reputation.

- Maintain exceptional standards across all aspects of food preparation and service.

- Kitchen Leadership & Team Development

- Lead, mentor, train and inspire a high-performing culinary team.

- Establish clear kitchen procedures, performance expectations and service standards.

- Create a professional, positive and collaborative kitchen culture.

- Lead from the front during busy services, ensuring efficiency, precision and excellence.


Kitchen Operations & Commercial Management


- Take full responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of the kitchen.

- Manage food ordering, purchasing, stock control and supplier relationships.

- Oversee menu costing, food margins, portion control, wastage and profitability.

- Manage kitchen rosters, labour costs and productivity.

- Maintain exceptional food safety, hygiene and compliance standards.

- Implement effective kitchen systems, operational procedures and quality controls.

- Manage equipment, kitchen maintenance and operational requirements.

- Work closely with the Back of House Operations Manager and wider management team to achieve operational and financial objectives.


New Venue Opening & Development


- Play a pivotal role in establishing the kitchen ahead of opening.

- Develop menus, recipes, kitchen systems and service procedures.

- Assist with kitchen setup, equipment requirements and supplier selection.

- Recruit and develop the culinary team.

- Ensure the kitchen is fully prepared to deliver an outstanding experience from opening day.


ABOUT YOU


Ideally, you will bring:

- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef within a premium restaurant, high-end hospitality venue or highly regarded culinary establishment.

- A demonstrated history of successfully managing exceptional, high-performing kitchens.

- Outstanding culinary creativity, technical expertise and attention to detail.

- Extensive experience in innovative menu development and premium food presentation.

- Strong commercial understanding of kitchen profitability, food costing and financial performance.

- Exceptional organisational, communication and leadership skills.

- Proven ability to recruit, train, motivate and retain talented kitchen professionals.

- Experience managing high-volume service without compromising quality.

- A comprehensive understanding of food safety and New Zealand hospitality standards.

- Previous experience opening a new restaurant or hospitality venue would be highly advantageous.


If this exciting opportunity sounds like you, we need to hear from you immediately.

Desired Hard Skills

  • Supplier Management
  • Food Safety
  • Kitchen Management
  • Menu Development
  • Food Costing

Desired Soft Skills

  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Organisational Skills

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