About the Role
FreshChoice Whanganui is seeking an experienced Bakery and Deli Chef to prepare fresh bakery products and a variety of ready-to-eat meals, curries, savouries, and hot food items for our bakery and deli departments. This hands-on role requires strong cooking skills, knowledge of food safety and hygiene, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while consistently maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Preparing and cooking a variety of curries, rice dishes, ready meals, hot food items, and other deli products for daily sale.
- Planning daily food production to ensure fresh products are available throughout trading hours while minimising waste.
- Preparing ingredients by cutting, marinating, seasoning, and cooking meats, seafood, vegetables, and other food items.
- Creating and presenting attractive ready-to-eat meals and hot food displays that meet company quality standards.
- Monitoring food quality, taste, presentation, and portion control.
- Maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness in accordance with the store requirements.
- Monitoring stock levels, rotating stock, and assisting with ordering ingredients and supplies.
- Developing and introducing new recipes and seasonal menu items where appropriate.
- Training and assisting junior kitchen staff when required.
- Ensuring all equipment is cleaned, maintained, and operated safely.
Bakery Duties include:
- Preparing, mixing, shaping, proofing, and baking a variety of breads, buns, rolls, and other bakery products.
- Preparing bakery fillings, toppings, glazes, and other bakery ingredients.
- Decorating and finishing bakery products to company standards where required.
- Monitoring baking times and product quality to ensure consistency.
- Packaging, labelling, and displaying bakery products for retail sale.
- Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene within the bakery production area.
Skills and Experience
The successful applicant must have:
- At least two years of relevant experience in food preparation and cooking within a commercial food service environment OR a Level 4 or higher qualification in Cookery, Professional Cookery, Commercial Cookery, Baking, or a closely related field.
- Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and safe food handling practices.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality food.
What We Offer
- Full-time permanent employment.
- Minimum 30-35 hours per week.
- Competitive remuneration based on skills and experience.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Supportive team environment.
- Opportunities for career progression.
Please apply using the application link and attach your current CV. A cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and/or qualification is encouraged.