Chef

An experienced Chef is required to join the kitchen team of a high-end restaurant in Christchurch, New Zealand.

This position is suited to a skilled culinary professional with strong experience working in quality restaurants, hotels or similar premium dining environments. The successful applicant will have excellent food preparation and cooking skills, a strong understanding of kitchen operations and the ability to consistently produce dishes to a high standard.

We are looking for someone who takes genuine pride in their food, works well under pressure and understands the standards expected within a professional high-end kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality dishes according to established menus and restaurant standards.
• Prepare meat, seafood, vegetables, sauces, stocks and other ingredients.
• Ensure dishes are consistently prepared to the required presentation, portion and quality standards.
• Manage assigned sections of the kitchen during service.
• Complete mise en place efficiently and ensure sections are prepared before service.
• Monitor cooking times, temperatures and food quality.
• Assist with menu preparation and development where required.
• Maintain consistency during busy lunch and dinner services.
• Ensure ingredients are stored, rotated and handled correctly.
• Monitor stock levels and minimise food waste.
• Maintain clean and organised workstations throughout service.
• Follow food safety, hygiene and allergen-management procedures.
• Assist with receiving and checking food deliveries where required.
• Work closely with senior chefs and other kitchen team members.
• Assist junior kitchen staff where appropriate.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, presentation and workplace health and safety.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 3 years of proven and verifiable professional Chef experience.
• Strong experience within a restaurant, hotel or other professional commercial kitchen.
• Experience in high-end, premium or fine-dining environments is strongly preferred.
• Strong practical cooking and food preparation skills.
• Ability to independently manage a kitchen section during busy service periods.
• Strong understanding of cooking techniques, temperatures and food preparation methods.
• Excellent attention to detail and food presentation.
• Ability to consistently reproduce dishes according to recipes and specifications.
• Good understanding of food safety and commercial kitchen hygiene.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining quality.
• Physically fit and comfortable working extended periods on your feet.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required by the restaurant roster.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively within a professional kitchen team.
• Relevant culinary or cookery qualifications are strongly preferred.

Preferred Experience

Experience in any of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Fine dining or premium restaurants.
• High-end hotels or resorts.
• À la carte service.
• Modern New Zealand or contemporary cuisine.
• Meat and seafood preparation.
• Sauce and stock preparation.
• Plating and presentation to premium restaurant standards.
• High-volume service while maintaining premium food quality.
• Menu development.
• Food costing and portion control.
• Training or assisting junior chefs.
• Relevant professional culinary qualifications.

Work Experience Evidence

Applicants must be able to provide verifiable evidence of their relevant Chef experience.

Evidence may include employment reference or experience letters, certificates of employment, employment contracts, payslips or payroll records, tax or social security records, culinary qualifications, or other reliable documentation confirming employment, duties and length of experience.

Applicants unable to provide sufficient evidence of their claimed experience may not be considered.

Immigration Requirements

Applicants requiring visa support must:

• Meet the applicable Immigration New Zealand requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
• Meet any applicable Immigration New Zealand English language requirements.
• Meet Immigration New Zealand health requirements, including medical examinations where required.
• Meet Immigration New Zealand character requirements, including police certificates where required.
• Provide satisfactory evidence supporting their qualifications, employment history, skills and experience.
• Be able to obtain the appropriate New Zealand work visa before commencing employment.

What's on Offer

• Full-time employment in Christchurch, New Zealand.
• Minimum 30 hours per week.
• Competitive remuneration based on skills and experience.
• Opportunity to work within a high-quality professional kitchen.
• Premium restaurant environment with a strong focus on food quality and presentation.
• Opportunity for an experienced Chef to further develop their culinary career in New Zealand.

Experienced Chefs with a strong professional kitchen background, excellent culinary skills and experience delivering food to high-end restaurant standards are encouraged to apply.