NZ$30-40
Somethin' Somethin'
Tauranga, New Zealand
Are you a passionate and creative chef ready to lead one of the Mount’s most loved new cafés? Somethin’ Somethin’ is a thriving, vibrant café in suburban Mount Maunganui, known for epic coffee, next-level vibes, and food that hits the mark every time. We’re on the hunt for a new Head Chef who can bring energy, skill, and fresh ideas to our tiny but mighty kitchen. This is a chance to take the reins of a well-established kitchen, lead a talented team, and drive the food direction of our growing café with a loyal local following. What We Offer: * A high-performing café with a buzzing local crowd * Daytime hours (some evenings in summer, no late nights) * 800m from the beach! * Loyal customer base and sunny work vibes * Freedom to create seasonal menus and innovate with specials * A supportive team culture where your voice matters * Opportunities for growth as our business evolves Winner of People’s Choice Award for BOTH the Plates of Plenty Challenge and Battle of the Snack at this year's Flavours of Plenty Festival, this is a chance to get another feather in your cap by working with an already successful team. Your Key Responsibilities * Lead and inspire the kitchen team with professionalism and positivity * Design and execute fresh, seasonal, and customer focused menus * Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation * Oversee food safety compliance, kitchen organisation, and cleanliness * Manage inventory, ordering, and food costs (target COGS: 30%) * Communicate clearly with FOH and owners to ensure smooth daily service * Mentor and train junior staff, fostering a strong kitchen culture * Plan for busy services, events, and catering orders You’ll Need To Bring * Proven experience in a senior or head chef role (café or casual dining preferred) * Creativity and confidence with flavours, plating, and customer trends * Strong leadership, time management, and communication skills * A calm, hands-on approach and love for building high-performing teams * Understanding of dietary requirements (GF, DF, vegan, etc.) * Full NZ working rights (note we cannot sponsor work visas at this time) Some More About You: These questions are not mandatory, however they are included to give us further insight into who you are and your passion for food. Please copy & paste these into your cover letter along with your answers. * What is your 'Death Row Meal'? * Where do your draw your food inspiration from? (eg books, cultures, experience, travel, mentors etc) * What is your favourite cookbook? * Who is your favourite chef? (can be fine dining, casual, celebrity or even viral/social media) * What are your non-negotiables when it comes to food quality and consistency? * What attracted you to working with us at Somethin' Somethin'?