Head Chef
About Chow
Chow has been serving bold, modern Asian cuisine in Wellington for over 20 years. We are a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant with a reputation for fresh flavours, shared dining, and a lively atmosphere.
We are seeking a Head Chef to manage our kitchen team and continue delivering high-quality Asian-inspired dishes to our guests.
The Role
As Head Chef, you will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, supervise staff, and ensure food quality and consistency remain at the highest standard. You will also contribute your knowledge of Asian cuisine and kitchen management to maintain and develop menus that reflect Chow’s style.
Primary Purpose
To lead and inspire the Chow kitchen team in delivering consistently high-quality, Asian-inspired dishes that reflect the brand’s signature balance of bold flavours, speed, and consistency. The Head Chef oversees all kitchen operations, ensuring excellence in food quality, presentation, hygiene, and efficiency — while maintaining cost control and a positive, professional culture in the kitchen.
Core Responsibilities Menu & Food Standards- Develop and maintain menus and recipes that reflect Chow’s identity and seasonal produce.
- Ensure dishes meet Chow’s presentation, flavour, and temperature standards.
- Maintain accurate recipe cards & up-to-date costings for all dishes.
- Monitor food quality, taste, and consistency daily.
- Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen team to maintain a high-performing, motivated environment.
- Manage rosters, recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews.
- Foster strong teamwork and collaboration between kitchen & front of house.
- Build morale, address issues promptly, and model professionalism at all times.
- Oversee daily kitchen operations — prep, service, closing, and cleanliness.
- Maintain food and labour costs in line with budget targets.
- Order stock, check deliveries, and manage supplier relationships.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained and operational; arrange repairs or replacements as needed.
- Lead regular kitchen meetings to review performance, menu updates, and health & safety matters.
- Maintain full compliance with the Food Control Plan and all food safety requirements.
- Ensure the kitchen meets all Health & Safety at Work standards.
- Uphold all company policies, including those relating to staff conduct and liquor licensing.
- Keep up with food trends relevant to Chow’s Asian-fusion identity.
- Continuously seek ways to refine efficiency, presentation, and guest experience.
- Attend management meetings and contribute to the wider success of the restaurant group.
- Any other duties as reasonably required by the Owner or General Manager.
- New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 5) or equivalent qualification.
- Minimum 3 years in a senior kitchen management role.
- Strong understanding of Asian-fusion cuisine & modern cooking techniques.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, cost dishes, and maintain margin targets.
- Competent in ordering, stock control, and restaurant management software.
- Current Food Safety Certification (within last 3 years).
- Creative, calm under pressure, and solutions-focused.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and delegation ability.
- Passion for food, flavour, and creating memorable dining experiences.
- Reliable, flexible, and committed to excellence.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.