TIME TO MIX THINGS UP? NOT JUST A ‘SEA-CHANGE’ - BUT A COUNTRY CHANGE?

Are you ready for a new adventure and lifestyle change? Imagine living on idyllic Waiheke Island (just out of Auckland), New Zealand, voted one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

The Oyster Inn, established in 2012, is a much-loved beach-chic bistro known for fresh, simple, and delicious food with a focus on seafood and classic dishes with a twist. Overlooking Oneroa Beach with stunning views, The Inn has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike since being purchased by award-winning chef Josh Emett and wife Helen in 2020.

After nearly five years, our current Head Chef is returning to Italy, opening up an exciting opportunity for a passionate and skilled Head Chef to lead our kitchen team.

The Role:

At The Inn, your experience and skills will be fully utilised as you take charge of all aspects of the kitchen. As Head Chef, you will lead the team to create, prepare, and deliver food that consistently exceeds customer expectations, while fostering a positive, collaborative, and creative kitchen culture.

What We Offer:

• Staff Accommodation: We rent a 2 bedroom cottage for the Head Chef, nestled in the bush close to The Oyster Inn and Palm Beach.
• Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship may be available for the right candidate.
• Opportunity for growth: We seek ambitious individuals and provide insight into how we run our business, making this a valuable learning experience in your career path.
• Continuous learning and development: Comprehensive training and professional development to help you grow.
• Competitive salary: With benefits and regular bonuses paid.
• Relocation Support: For those relocating to Waiheke Island.

Key Responsibilities:

Overall responsibility for the operation and organisation of the kitchen and food preparation areas.

• Management of all aspects of the kitchen including operational, quality and administrative function
• Plan and produce menus to the establishment standard
• Meet and liaise with suppliers keeping up to date with new food trends and products
• Write recipes and cost all dishes keeping all documents up to date
• Use local ingredients wherever possible and have a focus on the environment and minimising waste
• Check all dishes as they leave the kitchen for establishment quality, presentation and temperature
• Maintain food and wage costs to the budget
• Set policies and maintain standards for food safety in all food preparation areas
• Set policies and maintain standards for health & safety at work in all food preparation areas
• Ensure all statutory, as well as establishment hygiene regulations are strictly adhered to
• Ensure all communications between front of house and kitchen run smoothly and relationship between kitchen and front of house staff is of a high standard
• Manage all kitchen staff - impart knowledge, skills and training to all kitchen staff to ensure high standards
• Manage staff rosters and staff records
• Interview and recruit staff
• Undertake staff appraisals and disciplinary action when required
• Manage kitchen meetings and attend briefings

Qualifications:

• 5 years managing a kitchen in a busy restaurant
• Strong budgeting and menu costing skills
• Passion for creating exceptional dishes
• Creativity, strong communication skills and motivational leadership

The Role:

• Permanent
• Full time
• Rostered shifts that can include weekends, evenings and public holidays.

If you're ready to bring your culinary passion to beautiful Waiheke Island, we would love to hear from you!