Tacoland is recruiting a Cook to join our Queenstown food truck team. The role involves running our food preparation kitchen, preparing menu elements from scratch, including slow-cooked meats, rice, sauces, and other fresh components. You will plan and manage food production to ensure consistency, quality, cost control and food safety. Morning shifts are sole charge, requiring a high level of reliability and accountability.

Key tasks and responsibilities

· Prepare and cook a range of menu items from raw ingredients, including slow-cooked meats (such as birria and pulled pork), sauces, broths, marinades, rice, and accompaniments using techniques such as braising, grilling, simmering, and reduction to produce items across the menu
· Monitor and control cooking processes, including adjusting temperatures of grills, ovens, and other equipment to achieve consistent results
· Season and finish dishes during cooking to ensure flavour, texture, and presentation meet business standards
· Portion and prepare food components for service, ensuring consistency in size, quality, and presentation
· Oversee and operate the food preparation truck, coordinating production to meet the needs of multiple service points
· Check the quality and freshness of ingredients before use and ensure all food produced meets required standards
· Store food safely in temperature-controlled environments and maintain correct handling practices at all times
· Plan daily and weekly food preparation, including estimating quantities required for service and managing production to minimise waste
· Prepare food to meet a range of dietary requirements where required
· Maintain and manage the Food Control Plan, including accurate record keeping, temperature monitoring, and compliance with food safety standards
· Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the food preparation truck, equipment, and storage areas
· Assist with stock control, ordering, and cost management to support efficient operations
· Provide guidance, support, and on-the-job training to other kitchen staff to ensure consistency in food preparation and workflow
· Work collaboratively with the wider team to ensure smooth and efficient service delivery

Minimum requirements

You must have ONE of the following:
· At least 3 years of work experience in the hospitality sector, or
· A relevant qualification in cookery or hospitality at NZQF Level 4 or higher

You must also have:
· Knowledge of food safety, hygiene practices, and compliance requirements
· Excellent time management and organisational skills
· Ability to estimate quantities and manage food production for service demands
· Strong attention to detail and consistency in food preparation
· Reliability and ability to work independently and as part of a team

What we offer

· Permanent, full-time employment
· Guaranteed minimum of 30 hours per week (rostered, including evenings and weekends as required)
· Opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive food truck environment
· Ongoing training and development opportunities

How to apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your experience and/or qualifications, and your availability.

 

Employer Questions

Your application will include the following question(s):

  • Are you a New Zealand Citizen or Residence Class Visa Holder?
  • Are you an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident?
  • Do you have a temporary visa with full-time work rights?
  • Are you in New Zealand currently?
Apply Now
Save