Cafe Head Chef

Located within the award-winning Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, the Tea Kiosk Café & Grill is a busy, relaxed café serving great food to locals and visitors year-round.

We’re looking for a hands-on Head Chef who enjoys busy seasons, leads from the front, and takes pride in delivering consistently great food and experiences.

About the Role

This is a full time practical leadership role reporting to our Café Manager, where you’ll work alongside the kitchen team to deliver fresh, well-presented food every day. You’ll lead, train, and support the team through high-energy peak periods while setting them up for success during quieter months. The role offers variety across the year, with busy summer and holiday periods balanced by calmer shoulder seasons to focus on training, menu refinement, and process improvements.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the kitchen team to deliver friendly, efficient service
• Preparing and overseeing a varied menu including pizzas, cabinet food, baking, and short-order meals
• Menu planning, food costing, ordering, and stock control
• Maintaining the Food Control Plan and kitchen health & safety standards
• Training and supporting team members to deliver consistent quality
• Managing rosters, costs, and waste while keeping the kitchen organised

About You

• Confident, approachable leader who enjoys working alongside the team
• Calm under pressure and comfortable in busy environments
• Well organised and practical with costs and food safety
• Hold suitable NZ Cookery qualification or at least 2-3 years with leadership experience
• Flexible and reliable, especially during peak holiday periods

Why Hanmer Springs?

Hanmer Springs is more than a workplace – it’s a lifestyle. Set in a beautiful alpine environment, it offers easy access to outdoor adventures right on your doorstep. Add hot pools and fresh mountain air, and it’s an ideal place for people who love the outdoors and value work-life balance.

We offer a supportive, structured environment with staff development and training, secure long-term employment, and a salary of $70-80k, depending on experience. Shared staff accommodation is available if required.

Manaakitanga | Rangatiratanga | Kaitiakitanga | Whanaungatanga