We are seeking two experienced Chefs/Cooks and a part-time Kitchen Hand to form the opening kitchen team at Cafe Elia Ōmōkihi, our new café opening this December inside Ōmōkihi, Christchurch’s new South Library in Beckenham. You will share the running of a brand-new, fully equipped kitchen with daytime hours only, delivering breakfast, cabinet and lunch service across a 7-day roster. The two Chef/Cook positions to work alongside each other.

Key responsibilities

Chef / Cook

Preparing and plating breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes to spec

Producing cabinet food – baking, salads, sandwiches, slices

Running the kitchen independently on your shifts, including prep lists and service timing

Stock rotation, receiving deliveries and flagging orders to the owners

Keeping Food Control Plan records – temperature logs, cleaning schedules

Maintaining the kitchen, equipment to lease and council standards

Supervising and supporting the Kitchen Hand

Shifts rotate between the early slot (6:30am start weekdays / 7:30am weekends) and the late slot (8:30am start weekdays / 8:00am weekends)

Kitchen Hand (full time/part-time)

Dishwashing and keeping the pass and prep areas clear during service

Basic food prep as directed by the cooks

Cleaning, waste separation and end-of-day close-down

What we’re looking for

Chef/Cook: 2+ years’ experience in a busy café or restaurant kitchen, confident running breakfast and cabinet service without supervision

Kitchen Hand: no experience required – reliability and a good attitude matter most

Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment during peak service

Sound knowledge of food safety and Food Control Plan requirements

Attention to detail and commitment to high standards of cleanliness and presentation

Strong communication and teamwork abilities

A flexible and positive attitude towards a 7-day roster

Valid NZ work rights (citizen, resident or open work visa). We are not an accredited employer and cannot support AEWV applications.

What we offer

Hourly rates depending on experience

Daytime hours only – café closes 4pm, no nights

A brand-new, well-equipped kitchen and real input into the menu

Paid training and menu set-up at Cafe Elia Fendalton, from late November

A supportive owner-operated team with an established café behind it

Staff meals and coffees while on shift

Easy Parking

Apply now

If you are a capable, organised cook who enjoys running a daytime kitchen and wants to be part of a new café from opening day, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and tell us which role you are applying for. We respond to all applications as soon as possible.