Head Chef

3 days ago

Christchurch Central, New Zealand Compass Group New Zealand Full time

Lead culinary excellence and create unforgettable dining experiences in a premium lounge setting

Why you'll love this role

  • Showcase your creativity: Drive menu innovation and culinary excellence for Air New Zealand's flagship lounge.
  • Leadership opportunity: Manage a talented kitchen team and deliver world-class service.
  • Career growth: Access global Compass Group pathways and professional development opportunities.

He angitūtanga / The opportunity:

As Head Chef, you'll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu development, culinary production, and logistics for the Air New Zealand Lounge. You'll lead a high-performing team, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and deliver exceptional dining experiences that reflect the Air New Zealand brand. This is a Permanent Full Time position rostered across the week. Therefore, the successful candidate MUST be available to work during weekends.

Ko o kawenga / Your responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement best-practice culinary standards and ensure compliance with brand guidelines.
  • Lead menu and product development to enhance quality and profitability.
  • Manage kitchen operations, including food production, transport, and logistics.
  • Train and mentor team members to maintain high standards of performance and productivity.
  • Monitor financial performance, control costs, and drive operational efficiencies.

He kōrero mōu / About you:

  • Minimum five years' experience in an Head Chef role.
  • Proven ability to lead teams and deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets within operational constraints.
  • Expertise in menu development and culinary innovation.
  • Moderate computer literacy with Office 365 and e-procurement systems; Workplace Assessor qualification desirable.

Ngā painga / Benefits & Perks:

  • Competitive salary plus bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
  • Career development and growth within Compass Group's global framework.
  • Exclusive discounts on medical insurance, banking services, hotels, and more.
  • Flexible working options and access to Employee Assistance Programmes.
  • A supportive, collaborative work environment where your leadership makes a difference.

Mo mātou / About us:

  • We are New Zealand's leading and largest food and support services provider across multiple industries.
  • Our sub-brands, Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, ESS and Rapport manage these industry sectors.
  • We specialise in turning ordinary acts of service into extraordinary experiential****moments for our clients. With innovative and talented teams across New Zealand, we transform experiences from being GOOD to GREAT.
  • Our people are awesome, they breathe life into our brands and make great things happen
  • Our strength comes from the combination of the things we have in common - our shared values, vision, and purpose and to make our commitment unique for you - RESPECT, GROWTH, and TEAMWORK are the founding pillars of these commitments.
  • We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our customers, suppliers, and colleagues. We also prioritise sustainability in everything we do, ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Successful candidates will be able to pass per-employment checks satisfactorily.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Don'tmiss out on this unique opportunity - Click 'Apply' Now

For any recruitment queries please contact the Compass Group Recruitment team at -

Creating meaningful and lasting connections with every experience.

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