Chef de Partie

2 weeks ago

Ellerslie, New Zealand The Nineteenth Group Ltd Full time NZ$60,000 - NZ$90,000 per year
Job Description: Chef de Partie (Path to Sous Chef)

Operation: High-Volume Food Truck (Phase 1) transitioning to 80-Seat Bar/Restaurant (Phase 2)

Reporting To: Head Chef

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

The Opportunity for Growth

This is more than a CDP role—it's a performance-based pathway to kitchen leadership. We are transitioning from a successful, high-volume food truck operation at a dynamic golf driving range (5,000+ weekly visitors) into a stunning new 80-seat bar and restaurant.

We are looking for a Chef de Partie who excels under pressure, demands consistency, and is ready to step up as the Sous Chef when the full-service restaurant opens. If you're ready to build systems, lead a team, and make your mark on a brand-new Auckland dining experience, this is your chance.

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1: Chef de Partie Focus (Immediate)

  • Station Ownership: Take full responsibility for a designated station (e.g., Grill, Fryer, or Prep), ensuring absolute consistency, quality, and speed across all services.
  • Prep Management: Execute high-volume mise en place efficiently, accurately calculating daily needs and minimizing waste.
  • Quality Control: Maintain the highest standards of food presentation and taste, adhering strictly to Head Chef specifications and ticket times.
  • Hygiene & Safety: Uphold impeccable kitchen cleanliness and organisation. Ensure full compliance with all NZ Food Safety regulations.
  • Stock Rotation: Proactively manage stock levels and rotation within your station to ensure freshness and reduce spoilage.

Phase 2: Sous Chef Pathway (As Restaurant Opens)

Based on exceptional performance and commitment during Phase 1, the successful CDP will be promoted into the Sous Chef role during the restaurant launch, taking on the following leadership duties:

  • Kitchen Leadership: Assist the Head Chef in managing and leading the entire back-of-house team, fostering a positive, professional, and high-energy kitchen culture.
  • Ordering & Inventory: Take charge of daily and weekly food and supply ordering, working closely with suppliers and managing inventory control and storage.
  • Menu Development: Collaborate with the Head Chef on seasonal menu changes, recipe creation, and engineering dishes for profitability and speed of service.
  • Training & Mentoring: Be responsible for the on-the-job training of Commis Chefs and kitchen hands, ensuring all staff understand and meet service expectations.
  • Head Chef Cover: Confidently run the kitchen operations and service in the Head Chef's absence.
Skills & Experience Required
  • Minimum of 2 years experience working as a Chef de Partie or Senior Commis Chef in a fast-paced commercial kitchen (restaurant or high-volume casual dining).
  • Demonstrable expertise in cooking techniques, flavour balancing, and high-standard food preparation.
  • Must possess a relevant NZ Food Safety Certificate (Level 2 or higher).
  • Proven ability to work calmly, cleanly, and quickly under intense pressure.
  • Strong organizational skills and an excellent understanding of kitchen operations, cost control, and efficiency.
  • Clear and effective communication skills in a team environment.
  • Ambitious, creative, and eager to contribute ideas to a growing brand.
Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to bypass the traditional wait for promotion. We offer a clear, performance-based career trajectory, allowing the right candidate to earn a senior role within months. You will be instrumental in launching one of Auckland's newest destination venues in a completely unique setting.

  • Clear, performance-based progression opportunity to Sous Chef.
  • Influence on the brand-new restaurant menu and kitchen design.
  • Work within a dynamic, high-traffic environment with high-growth potential.

Ready to fire up your career? Apply now