Head Chef
Head Chef – Alondo (Dunedin)
Full-Time | Permanent | Accredited Employer
Alondo is a premium Italian-inspired restaurant opening May/June 2026 in Dunedin. Built around seasonal produce, house-made pasta and traditional dough techniques, Alondo will operate lunch and dinner, seven days per week.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a purpose-built commercial kitchen from launch and shape the culinary identity of one of Dunedin’s most anticipated new venues.
We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to establish, lead, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team.
This is a permanent, full-time position with a minimum of 40 hours per week.- The Role
The Head Chef will take full responsibility for the kitchen’s leadership, culinary direction, and operational performance. This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical ability, structured leadership, and experience in a high-volume hospitality environment.
- Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute seasonal Italian-inspired menus
- Oversee pasta production and pizza operations using traditional dough techniques
- Lead daily kitchen service across lunch and dinner
- Recruit, train, and supervise kitchen staff
- Manage rosters, labour costs, and productivity
- Control food costs, ordering, and stock management
- Maintain supplier relationships and procurement systems
- Ensure compliance with NZ Food Safety and health regulations
- Maintain quality control, consistency, and presentation standards
- Oversee kitchen systems, workflow, and equipment maintenance
- Work collaboratively with front-of-house management
- Skills & Experience Required
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant chef experience
- At least 2 years in a senior leadership role (Head Chef or Sous Chef)
- Strong experience in Italian cuisine
- Experience managing kitchen teams in a structured, high-volume environment
- Proven understanding of food costing, stock control, and kitchen systems
- Relevant cookery qualification (NZ Level 4 or equivalent) preferred
- Employment Details
- Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
- Permanent, full-time role
- Minimum 40 hours per week
- Salary: $80,000 – $95,000 per annum (dependent on experience and reflecting market rate for a Head Chef in a premium hospitality environment)
- This is an opportunity to define a flagship Italian kitchen from inception — serious craft, serious standards, serious opportunity.
Applications must include a CV outlining relevant cuisine experience.