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Head Chef – Lake Hayes Estate, Queenstown
Wellmade Selections Limited (trading as 11th Avenue) | Full-time, permanent

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at 11th Avenue, our café, bar and restaurant with live music. You will run the kitchen day to day, design seasonal menus and lead a small team, keeping food quality and safety at a high standard.

Hours and pay

  • Full-time, minimum [30+] guaranteed hours per week, over [5] days across a rostered week that includes evenings and weekends

  • Pay: $[35.00] to $[40.00] per hour, depending on experience

  • Location: 1/25 Eleventh Avenue, Lake Hayes Estate, Queenstown

Key tasks and responsibilities

  • Lead kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation

  • Develop and update menus using seasonal and local ingredients, including gluten-free and other dietary options

  • Recruit, train, supervise and roster kitchen staff

  • Follow food safety, hygiene and health and safety requirements, including the Food Control Plan

  • Manage food costs, stock control and ordering

  • Create and maintain standardized recipes and kitchen procedures

  • Work with front-of-house staff to deliver smooth service

  • Check food quality and consistency before and during service

  • Oversee kitchen equipment maintenance and keep the kitchen clean and organized

  • Respond to guest feedback and improve our offering

Minimum requirements

  • At least [5] years’ experience as a chef in a commercial kitchen, including experience leading or supervising other kitchen staff

  • A formal cookery qualification, or equivalent practical experience

  • Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards

  • Experience with menu development, food costing and stock control

  • Able to lead and train a team and to work with front-of-house staff

Desirable (not essential)

  • Experience with specialty diets, particularly gluten-free

  • Knowledge of local Queenstown produce and suppliers

  • Familiarity with Loaded Reports and CHOMP

What we offer

[Pay as above]. Training and mentoring, a supportive team, and a roster that respects work-life balance.

How to apply

Send your CV, a cover letter outlining your experience and approach to cooking and contact details for referees to [[email protected]]. Applications close [31/10/26].