24/09/2026
About the role:
Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to take overall responsibility for the kitchen and lead the delivery of consistently high-quality food across the restaurant, w**e and hospitality operations. This is a senior, hands-on leadership position responsible for kitchen management, menu development, food preparation and service, staff leadership, food safety, stock control, purchasing, food costing and maintaining high culinary and operational standards.
Pay: $40.00–$42.00 per hour
Hours: Full-time, minimum 30 guaranteed hours per week
Employment: Permanent, full-time
Location: 265 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Lake Hayes, Otago
Key responsibilities
Kitchen & Culinary Management
Take overall responsibility for the daily operation of the kitchen
Lead, supervise, train and develop kitchen staff
Allocate duties and maintain efficient kitchen staffing and service
Oversee food preparation, cooking, presentation and quality control
Develop and maintain seasonal menus, specials and recipes
Ensure consistent portion sizes, presentation and food quality
Manage busy restaurant services and resolve operational issues
Stock, Purchasing & Costs
Manage kitchen stock levels, ordering and supplier relationships
Check deliveries and maintain correct storage and stock rotation
Conduct stocktakes and maintain appropriate par levels
Monitor food costs, portion control and wastage
Cost menu items and contribute to menu pricing and profitability
Food Safety, Hygiene & Health and Safety
Maintain the business's food control plan and food safety procedures
Ensure safe food storage, preparation, cooking and temperature control
Manage allergen and dietary requirements and prevent cross-contamination
Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness and hygiene
Ensure staff follow food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety procedures
Team & Administration
Train staff in food preparation, cooking, presentation, hygiene and kitchen procedures
Assist with recruitment, rostering and staff performance management
Maintain appropriate kitchen, food safety and training records
Forecast food requirements based on bookings and expected trade
Communicate effectively with management and front-of-house staff
About you
A minimum of 2 years' experience working as a Head Chef in a professional commercial kitchen or comparable hospitality environment
Proven experience independently managing a professional kitchen and leading kitchen staff
Experience with menu development, recipe creation and seasonal menus
Experience with food costing, portion control, stock management, purchasing and waste reduction
Experience supervising, training and developing kitchen employees
Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety
Strong organisation, communication and time-management skills
Ability to work independently, make operational decisions and manage competing priorities
About us
Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen is a w**ery restaurant located at 265 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Lake Hayes.
