Position: Head Chef – Modern Gastropub with Global Influences

We are Oydis, an innovative cocktail bar located in Ashburton – the first of its kind in the area. Thanks to tremendous community support, we’re growing rapidly and are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our dedicated dining and wine room in just a few weeks.

Featured in The Age Good Food Guide, Oydis celebrates a fusion of global culinary traditions, with a particular focus on the diverse and vibrant flavours of the Old British Empire. We’re passionate about incorporating these influences into our food and beverage offerings, with a dynamic sharing-style menu that delights and surprises. Our venue, with a capacity of over 250, is driven by a small, dedicated, and enthusiastic team.

Position Overview:

At Oydis, we aim to craft culinary experiences that leave a lasting impression.

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef who is passionate about integrating the bold flavours of Pan-Asian cuisines into a modern gastropub setting. You will lead the team in developing innovative dishes that complement our renowned cocktails, allowing you the creative freedom to showcase your talent and make a real impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a brand-new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built kitchen as we expand our kitchen and dining offerings. You’ll have the chance to design, shape, and grow the food offering alongside a dedicated team in a space built for culinary excellence.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of these cuisines, as well as experience in managing and motivating a small, fast-paced kitchen team. This is an exciting opportunity to define the future of Oydis' food offering while helping to shape the local Ashburton dining scene.

Key Responsibilities:

- Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu creation, food prep, inventory, and staff management.
- Develop and maintain a menu that celebrates the richness of South East Asian cuisine while adding modern twists that align with a gastropub concept.
- Ensure top-notch time management and maintain high standards for both food quality and presentation.
- Stay on top of culinary trends and innovative techniques, incorporating them into your menu to keep it fresh and exciting.
- Manage inventory and ordering within budget, constantly analyzing food costs and profitability to ensure kitchen efficiency.
- Lead a team of kitchen staff, fostering an environment of creativity, high standards, and collaboration.
- Ensure the kitchen operates in compliance with all health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and well-organized environment.
- Work closely with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and accurate food orders.
- Handle customer feedback with professionalism and use it as an opportunity to improve service.
- Attend networking and industry events to cultivate supplier relationships and stay connected to the culinary community.
- Collaborate with the ownership and management team to develop marketing strategies and promotions to raise the profile of the restaurant.

Desired Skills & Experience:

- Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef, with a strong background in South Asian and/or fusion cuisine.
- A Certificate IV in Kitchen Management or equivalent is preferred.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire, delegate, and guide a team of chefs.
- Exceptional organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a passion for teaching and mentoring others.
- A commitment to maintaining exceptional standards of food safety, quality, and cleanliness.

Why Oydis?

Joining Oydis means becoming part of a high-performing, dynamic team in an exciting and fast-growing business. We are committed to nurturing new talent and empowering our staff to reach their full potential. With the opportunity to grow within the company and even be involved in the design of the kitchen space, this is a rare opportunity to help define a unique and unforgettable hospitality experience.

As we expand, career progression and new challenges await the right candidate.

Operating Hours:
This is a 40-hour week role with flexible scheduling options to be negotiated with management.

If you're a passionate chef ready to bring your unique style to the table in a brand-new kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.