Verified Job
Cook / Chef
Head Chef
Cook / Chef
#798056
Remote / WFH
Tourism Holdings Ltd
Job Description
Lead a unique culinary experience in one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations.
Discover Waitomo is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations at the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated chef who combines creativity with strong commercial acumen. You'll play a key role in delivering exceptional food experiences, leading a talented team, and ensuring our food and beverage operation remains profitable, efficient, and customer-focused.
About the company:
Discover Waitomo is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism experiences, including the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the thrilling Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, Waitomo Homestead, and Kiwi Experience. Discover Waitomo is part of Tourism Holdings Limited (thl), a truly global business and leader in the RV industry, operating trusted brands such as Maui, Britz, Apollo, Mighty, El Monte RV, Road Bear, and Just Go.
About the Role:
As a full-time permanent Head Chef, you'll oversee the day-to-day kitchen operation, developing menu offerings, maintaining food safety standards, and driving a culture of excellence. Working closely with the Business Manager and Food & Beverage Manager, you'll lead the kitchen team while helping deliver memorable experiences for both domestic and international visitors. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll balance food preparation, team management, stock control, cost management, and operational planning.
What You'll Bring:
NZQA Level 4 Cookery qualification or a minimum of five years' professional kitchen experience.
Previous experience leading or supervising a kitchen team.
Strong knowledge of food safety, menu planning, stock management, and cost control.
Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
A customer-focused mindset and commitment to quality.
Reliability, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
Availability to work a rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.
Bonus points if you hold an LCQ and General Manager's Certificate.
Why Join Us?
At Discover Waitomo, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary talent in one of New Zealand's most recognised tourism destinations. You'll enjoy a varied role, lead a passionate team, and contribute to creating memorable experiences for thousands of visitors each year.
If you're a skilled chef ready to take ownership of a thriving kitchen operation and make your mark in a world-class tourism environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and bring your leadership, creativity, and passion for exceptional food to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Thank you for your application, We are an equal opportunity employer and we aim to recruit a diverse range of people with a diverse range of talents to help us achieve our goals. Note that only selected candidates will be contacted.
Your privacy is important to us. Our privacy policy explains how we collect, process, use, store and disclose your personal data, as well as your rights associated with that data.
This policy is provided in a layered format so you can click through to the specific areas set out below. Please also use the Glossary at the end of the document to understand the meaning of some of the terms used.
https://www.thlonline.com/privacy
Show less
Discover Waitomo is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations at the world-renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated chef who combines creativity with strong commercial acumen. You'll play a key role in delivering exceptional food experiences, leading a talented team, and ensuring our food and beverage operation remains profitable, efficient, and customer-focused.
About the company:
Discover Waitomo is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism experiences, including the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the thrilling Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, Waitomo Homestead, and Kiwi Experience. Discover Waitomo is part of Tourism Holdings Limited (thl), a truly global business and leader in the RV industry, operating trusted brands such as Maui, Britz, Apollo, Mighty, El Monte RV, Road Bear, and Just Go.
About the Role:
As a full-time permanent Head Chef, you'll oversee the day-to-day kitchen operation, developing menu offerings, maintaining food safety standards, and driving a culture of excellence. Working closely with the Business Manager and Food & Beverage Manager, you'll lead the kitchen team while helping deliver memorable experiences for both domestic and international visitors. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll balance food preparation, team management, stock control, cost management, and operational planning.
What You'll Bring:
NZQA Level 4 Cookery qualification or a minimum of five years' professional kitchen experience.
Previous experience leading or supervising a kitchen team.
Strong knowledge of food safety, menu planning, stock management, and cost control.
Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
A customer-focused mindset and commitment to quality.
Reliability, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
Availability to work a rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.
Bonus points if you hold an LCQ and General Manager's Certificate.
Why Join Us?
At Discover Waitomo, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary talent in one of New Zealand's most recognised tourism destinations. You'll enjoy a varied role, lead a passionate team, and contribute to creating memorable experiences for thousands of visitors each year.
If you're a skilled chef ready to take ownership of a thriving kitchen operation and make your mark in a world-class tourism environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and bring your leadership, creativity, and passion for exceptional food to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Thank you for your application, We are an equal opportunity employer and we aim to recruit a diverse range of people with a diverse range of talents to help us achieve our goals. Note that only selected candidates will be contacted.
Your privacy is important to us. Our privacy policy explains how we collect, process, use, store and disclose your personal data, as well as your rights associated with that data.
This policy is provided in a layered format so you can click through to the specific areas set out below. Please also use the Glossary at the end of the document to understand the meaning of some of the terms used.
https://www.thlonline.com/privacy
Show less
