Head Chef - Dargaville - ref. f33292303
Lead the kitchen at New Zealand’s Best Café 2025.
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery in Kaitaia is an award-winning café–bar–restaurant serving fresh, seasonal food with a local twist. Proud winners of Best Café in NZ 2025 and multi-finalists at the Lion Hospitality Awards for Excellence, we’re known for our creative menus, premium local suppliers and vibrant guest experience.
We’re looking for a Head Chef who can bring creativity, leadership and passion to our kitchen — and enjoy the beach, sun and Far North lifestyle while doing it.
Your role: Lead a busy kitchen from breakfast to dinner
Create and execute seasonal menus using Northland’s best produceMaintain top-quality standards for taste, presentation and consistency
Manage ordering, stock control and food costs
Mentor and inspire your kitchen team
Collaborate on events, specials and promotions
You bring: Proven Head Chef or Senior Chef experience in a fast-paced environment
Strong leadership and communication skillsPassion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Solid cost control and organisational skills
Creative flair and a collaborative mindset
We offer: Join an award-winning team with a strong reputation in NZ hospitality
Work with premium local suppliers (The Kutai Guy, Black Collar Distillery, Ikarus Coffee, The Landing Winery and more)A supportive, vibrant work culture in a beautiful Far North setting
Competitive pay and staff perks
A genuine chance to make your mark and shape the future of our kitchen
If you’re ready to lead with passion, cook with creativity and work where people holiday, apply now. Let’s create something special at Peekaboo Backyard Eatery.