Head Chef

Employer NZ LHCK Limited, trading as GAON Korean BBQ House
Location 130 The Square, Palmerston North
Job type Permanent, full-time
Pay $42.00 to $45.00 per hour, depending on skills and experience
Hours Minimum 30 guaranteed hours per week, up to 45 hours per week. Rostered across 7 days, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

About us

GAON Korean BBQ House is a Korean BBQ restaurant on The Square in central Palmerston North. In addition to BBQ, we serve a full Korean a la carte menu: starters such as jeon and japchae, grilled dishes such as LA galbi and bulgogi, galbi tang, slow-cooked kimchi jjim and jjim dak, bibimbap, Korean fried chicken and desserts. We are open for dinner seven days a week.

The role

We are looking for a Head Chef to take charge of our kitchen. You will be the senior chef on site, responsible for planning and organising the preparation and cooking of all our food, leading the kitchen team, and making sure every dish leaves the pass to our standard. You will report to the Director.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Plan and organise the preparation and cooking of food for the BBQ and a la carte menus, and run the pass during service.
• Prepare and cook Korean dishes, including portioning and marinating BBQ meats, soups, stews, banchan, sauces and marinades.
• Plan menus with the Director, develop new dishes and specials, and keep standard recipes and portion specifications.
• Estimate food and labour costs, cost menu items, order food supplies and manage stock, deliveries and waste.
• Monitor the quality, taste and presentation of dishes at all stages of preparation.
• Supervise and roster the kitchen team, demonstrate techniques and train kitchen staff, and help select new staff.
• Explain and enforce food safety and hygiene standards and keep our Food Control Plan records up to date.
• Keep the kitchen, cool rooms and equipment clean, safe and well maintained.
• Work with the Director, Restaurant Manager and front-of-house team to deliver smooth service.

What you need

• At least 3 years of relevant experience as a chef in a commercial kitchen, including supervising other kitchen staff. A relevant cookery qualification is an advantage.
• Sound knowledge of Korean cuisines, and cooking techniques
• Sound knowledge of food safety and hygiene requirements (Food Act 2014 and Food Control Plans).
• Experience with menu planning, food costing, ordering and stock control.
• The ability to lead a small team in a busy, fast-paced kitchen.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as rostered.

What we offer

• A permanent full-time role with guaranteed hours.
• Pay of $42.00 to $45.00 per hour, depending on skills and experience.
• The chance to lead the kitchen and shape the menu of an established restaurant.

How to apply

Apply through JobSpace with your CV and a short cover letter. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or residents, or hold a valid work visa.