Head Chef – Mediterranean Foods Kapiti

About the Role

The Head Chef will be responsible for leading the kitchen team and ensuring the efficient operation of the kitchen. The role involves hands-on cooking as well as responsibility for menu planning, food quality, kitchen procedures, stock management, food and labour costs, staff supervision and compliance with food safety requirements.

The successful applicant will be expected to maintain consistently high standards while managing kitchen operations during both normal and busy service periods.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the day-to-day operation of the kitchen.

• Lead, supervise and allocate duties to kitchen staff to ensure efficient service.

• Plan, develop and maintain Italian and Mediterranean menus, including pasta, pizza, grill, salads and other dishes.

• Develop recipes and standardise preparation, cooking, portion sizes and presentation.

• Prepare and cook food to a consistently high standard during service.

• Monitor the quality, taste, freshness and presentation of all dishes before they are served.

• Plan daily mise en place and ensure adequate preparation for each service.

• Determine food requirements and assist with purchasing and ordering according to anticipated demand.

• Monitor stock levels, food storage and inventory and minimise unnecessary wastage.

• Assist with food and labour cost control and implement measures to maintain appropriate cost levels.

• Manage food preparation, freezing, storage and preservation procedures in accordance with food safety requirements.

• Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or operational issues to management.

• Establish and maintain kitchen operating procedures and cooking standards.

• Train, supervise and mentor chefs, kitchen assistants and other kitchen staff.

• Demonstrate cooking techniques and provide guidance on food preparation and cooking procedures.

• Communicate with management and front-of-house staff regarding menus, food preparation, special requirements and service issues.

• Coordinate kitchen activities with front-of-house operations to ensure timely service.

• Manage and resolve kitchen issues during service and make appropriate operational decisions.

• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, hygiene and organisation at all times.

• Ensure the kitchen operates in accordance with the New Zealand Food Control Plan, food safety requirements and workplace health and safety procedures.

• Assist management with recruitment, induction and training of kitchen employees when required.

• Monitor staff performance and provide feedback and guidance where appropriate.

• Work across different kitchen sections as required and lead by example during busy service periods.

• Perform other reasonable kitchen management and culinary duties associated with the position.

Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum 2 years’ relevant commercial kitchen experience.

• Proven experience supervising and leading kitchen staff.

• Experience managing kitchen operations in a busy restaurant or similar food-service environment.

• Strong knowledge of professional food preparation and cooking techniques.

• Experience with Italian and/or Mediterranean cuisine is highly desirable.

• Knowledge and experience of menu planning, recipe development and portion control.

• Understanding of food costing, stock control and wastage management.

• Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements.

• Ability to organise kitchen operations and staff effectively.

• Strong communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a high-volume kitchen.

• Reliable, flexible and able to work a variable roster, including weekends and public holidays.

What We Offer

• $35.00 per hour

• Minimum 35 hours per week

• Full-time employment

• A leadership role within an established local restaurant

• Supportive and professional working environment

• Staff meals and employee discounts

• Training and development opportunities

How to Apply

Applicants should provide a current CV and a short cover letter outlining their relevant experience, qualifications and availability.

Please email applications to:

mediterraneanfoodskapiti@gmail.com

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted