Experienced Chef (Full-Time, Permanent) - Tokoroa
Turangi, New Zealand (Riverside Bar & Restaurant, 45 km south of Taupo)
Permanent, Full-Time
Guaranteed Hours:Minimum 30 hours per week, typically rostered across 6 shifts, mainly Monday to Saturday evenings. Additional hours may be required during busy periods.
Pay Range: $29.66 – $34.00 per hour, depending on skills and experience. Pay will align with New Zealand market rates.
About the Role:Riverside Bar & Restaurant is seeking a skilled Chef with leadership responsibilities to take a key role in our busy kitchen. You will be working alongside senior staff members to help lead kitchen operations, maintain high standards, and support the day-to-day running of the kitchen.
This is a hands-on position suited for a chef who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, with additional leadership duties including food cost control, stock management, menu pricing input, compliance, and supervising staff.
The restaurant is part of a busy complex with a 36-room motel and campground. We serve a mix of locals, tourists, and in-house guests throughout the year.
Key Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities: Kitchen Operations & Service
Prepare and cook a wide variety of menu items to a consistent standard.
Lead kitchen operations during rostered shifts, ensuring food is served efficiently and to a high standard.
Deliver room service orders to up to 36 motel units as required.
Maintain food quality and service speed during busy periods, which may include:
Walk-ins, takeaways, and large groups during peak seasons.
Occasionally assist or lead breakfast service when required.
Kitchen Leadership & Staff SupportWork alongside senior staff members to lead service and maintain smooth kitchen flow.
Supervise and support junior kitchen staff during preparation and service.
Foster a positive and efficient team environment.
Stock, Cost & Compliance ResponsibilitiesAssist with stock ordering, stock rotation, and maintaining appropriate prep levels.
Contribute to food cost management and portion control.
Help develop and price menus and specials based on seasonality and cost targets.
Minimise food wastage and maintain cost control systems.
Ensure full compliance with the Food Control Plan and food safety standards.
Keep the kitchen clean, organised, and compliant with health and safety standards.
Minimum Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required:Applicants must meet all of the following:
At least 3 years’ experience working as a Chef in a commercial kitchen.
At least 2 years’ leadership or management-level experience (e.g. as a Senior Chef, Sous Chef, or similar role supervising a small team and assisting with kitchen operations).
Strong understanding of food safety systems, food preparation procedures, and commercial kitchen compliance.
Skilled in stock management, wastage control, and maintaining food cost targets.
Experience supervising and supporting junior kitchen staff.
Confidence working independently and leading kitchen service when required.
Good organisational skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.
Hours of Work: Minimum guaranteed 30 hours per week.
Typical roster: 6 rostered shifts Monday to Saturday, with a focus on evenings.
Additional hours during peak periods (e.g., public holidays, summer, and school holidays).
Some flexibility in roster to meet business needs.
Job Location: Turangi, New Zealand. No travel required; the role is based solely on-site at Riverside Bar & Restaurant.
ANZSCO Details: This role aligns with ANZSCO Occupation Code 351311 – Chef (Skill Level 2).
The skill level for this occupation requires a New Zealand Diploma (Level 5 or 6) or at least 3 years of relevant chef experience, with additional leadership responsibilities.
Additional Information: This is a genuine, full-time, permanent role.
New Zealand Citizens and Residents will be considered first, as required under immigration rules.
This role is publicly advertised in line with New Zealand’s employment and immigration requirements.
Applicants must meet the skills, experience, and qualifications listed above.
How to Apply:Please apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience, availability, and why you would like to join our team in Turangi.
Serious applicants only — we are looking for someone ready to commit long-term and help lead a successful kitchen alongside our existing team.- This wording meets Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV job ad requirements.
- Includes job description, guaranteed hours, pay, skills/experience, location, and ANZSCO code.
- Ready to submit for your Job Check application and public advertising.