Sugar Cafe Head Pastry Chef
The Company
The NZ Sugar Company stands tall amongst New Zealand's top 100 companies and holds a significant spot within the global agri-business giant, Wilmar International.
Established in 1884, this is an iconic kiwi business and home to Chelsea, one of New Zealand's most loved brands. We have a true expertise and passion for our products, producing the best sugars that are kiwi-made. Sugar Café is part of our Chelsea Bay Visitor Centre.With stunning waterfront views, the café offers a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. It is a local favourite for brunch, lunch, special events, or just to have coffee with the famous Raspberry Lamington that has consistently featured in the top 100 dishes of Iconic Auckland Eats.
At the heart of their business are its people. They are proud of their culture, fostering an environment where their people can thrive and make a meaningful impact every single day.
The Opportunity
Are you a creative force in the kitchen with a passion for pastry and a flair for leadership?
Sugar Café at Chelsea Bay Visitor Centre is calling on visionary pastry chefs to lead our bakery team in crafting unforgettable sweet and savoury experiences. Set in the heart of the iconic Chelsea Sugar Factory, this is your chance to shape the cabinet offering of a destination café that celebrates quality, innovation, and community.
As the Front of House Duty Manager, you'll be the face of Sugar Café, responsible for running shifts, maintaining high service standards, and supporting a positive team culture. This is a hands-on role where you'll work alongside the team, actively contributing to daily operations and leading by example.You'll play a key role in ensuring smooth service, safety compliance, and financial accountability, while promoting the wider Chelsea Bay experience.
At Sugar, we're more than just a café - we're part of a vibrant visitor experience. You'll be joining a supportive team that values collaboration, creativity, and excellence. If you're ready to lead with energy and make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you!
The primary responsibilities for this role include:
- Take charge of the pastry section, delivering standout cabinet food that wows our guests.
- Collaborate with the Head Chef and wider team to ensure seamless kitchen operations.
- Maintain top-tier food safety standards and cost-effective practices.
- Manage food costing, inventory, and staffing to meet financial targets.
- Train and mentor pastry chefs who share your passion for quality and creativity.
- Contribute to a positive, safety-first, and values-driven workplace culture.
What You'll Bring:
- At least 5 years' experience as a professional pastry chef.
- Experience in a New Zealand café environment is preferred.
- A relevant trade qualification is desirable.
- Strong leadership, planning, communication and interpersonal skills.
- A love for creating food that`s both delicious and visually stunning.
- A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a passion for customer service.
- Eligibility to work in New Zealand immediately.
- Creative Freedom: Design and refine a cabinet menu that's as bold and beautiful as your imagination.
- Leadership Opportunity: Lead a professional team and inspire excellence every day.
- Iconic Location: Work in a stunning waterfront setting steeped in history and buzzing with visitors.
- Culture of Excellence: Join a team that values innovation, integrity, passion, and teamwork.
As well as a competitive wage, NZ Sugar is proud to offer a number of fantastic benefits, including the following:
- Employee Health & Wellbeing Program
- Free parking
- Free fully equipped gym, fitness classes on site, access to a personal trainer
Note: all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical, including a drug & alcohol test.
Apply now and bring your energy, ideas, and pastry magic to Sugar Café at Chelsea Bay Visitor Centre!