Masterton Chefs/Cooks Job Listings

Trademe

Sous Chef

Wharekauhau Country Estate is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated luxury lodges — a proud member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family and the Foley Entertainment Group. Set across 3,000 acres of rolling pasture, native forest, and wild coastal beauty overlooking Palliser Bay, the lodge has long been a benchmark for hospitality excellence, craftsmanship, and authenticity. We are now seeking an experienced, motivated, and highly creative Sous Chef to join our award-winning culinary team — a team dedicated to the philosophy of “Taste of New Zealand”: an approach that honours local provenance, celebrates our estate-grown produce, and delivers genuine, refined experiences for our international guests. About the Role As Sous Chef, you will work alongside and report directly to our Executive Chef, helping to lead the daily operations of a kitchen that serves fine-dining tasting menus, à la carte lodge meals, exclusive events, and private estate experiences. This is a pivotal leadership position for a hands-on professional with a deep respect for seasonal ingredients, a natural flair for plating, and a passion for mentoring and motivating a small but talented team. You will be expected to deliver consistently high culinary standards while ensuring efficiency, organisation, and harmony within the kitchen. The role demands a blend of creativity, discipline, and genuine hospitality — balancing artistry with the ability to run a smooth service, maintain cost controls, and uphold the lodge’s exceptional reputation. It involves high guest interaction so holding conversation and sharing your passion is critical to the role. Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership & Execution • Support the Executive Chef in the delivery of daily menus and bespoke dining experiences across breakfast, lunch, dinner, events, and private functions. • Oversee all kitchen stations, ensuring every dish is prepared with precision, consistency, and visual excellence. • Uphold and evolve the lodge’s food philosophy — “farm-to-table luxury” — using produce from our estate gardens, local farms, and regional artisans. • Take charge of service when required, ensuring seamless coordination with the front-of-house team and other departments. Team Development & Mentorship • Lead, train, and inspire a small kitchen brigade to maintain high standards of performance, professionalism, and presentation. • Foster a positive, respectful, and growth-oriented environment within the kitchen. • Provide ongoing feedback, performance reviews, and development opportunities for junior team members and apprentices. Operational Excellence & Compliance • Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, sanitation, and workplace safety in accordance with NZ Health & Safety regulations. • Oversee daily prep schedules, stock control, and food ordering to ensure cost efficiency and minimal waste. • Contribute to menu development, costings, and seasonal updates, ensuring profitability while showcasing the best of Wairarapa’s produce. • Ensure compliance with all kitchen and estate sustainability goals — from waste reduction and composting to energy efficiency and local sourcing. Guest Experience & Collaboration • Engage with guests during special dinners, private tastings, and culinary experiences, representing the lodge’s passion for storytelling and hospitality. • Participate in Foley-wide events such as “The Runholder Presents”, wine collaborations, and seasonal celebrations. Skills & Experience Required We’re looking for a Sous Chef who combines technical skill with genuine creativity and leadership presence. Essential Requirements • A minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in fine-dining or luxury-lodge environments, ideally in a Relais & Châteaux property, boutique hotel, or Michelin-influenced restaurant. • Proven experience managing small, high-performing teams with a calm and professional demeanour under pressure. • Strong knowledge of classical and contemporary cooking techniques, including modern plating, fermentation, curing, and fire-based cooking. • Deep appreciation for local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients — ideally with experience sourcing directly from producers. • Demonstrated ability to manage food costs, food safety plan, menu planning, and supplier relationships. • Excellent organisational and communication skills with a strong commitment to cleanliness, order, and consistency. • Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and across seasonal events as required. • A full NZ driver's licence or international equivalent Desirable Attributes • Familiarity with New Zealand produce and Māori ingredients or willingness to learn and integrate local flavours respectfully. • Creative input into culinary storytelling — the ability to design dishes that reflect the Wharekauhau landscape, climate, and culture. • Interest in mentoring apprentices and sharing knowledge through hands-on teaching. Please note that this role does come with the option to live onsite in shared accommodation at a weekly rental room charge

South Wairarapa District, Wellington Region, New Zealand

Negotiable Salary

Trademe

Head Chef

Are you our LEGEND Head Chef? We are looking for the perfect balance of creative culinary legend and master of management to lead our kitchen team. Our kitchen needs solid leadership and inspiration to help the business in this rapid growth phase. There are plenty of creative outlets, from an ever changing seasonal menu, through to in-house events and international film festivals with complementing menus. Skills and Experience: • You will have held the position of head chef at a similar style establishment • Strong people management & training skills • Basic admin skills for costings, rostering & stocktaking • Basic business acumen, understanding the bigger picture beyond the kitchen door Core duties: • Managing team to bring out the best in them, upskilling, quality control, rostering. • Writing and implementing an inspiring menu where quality and consistency are at the foundation. • Sourcing the most competitive prices for ingredients, nurturing relationships with suppliers • Ensuring the entire kitchen is run smoothly, including, and not limited to: Product, People and Property What we offer you: • Substantial package of salary and bonus’s. • Unlimited complimentary movie tickets for you and your family • Food and beverage discounts in-house • Working in a unique establishment with a dedicated and vibrant team The Screening Room is a leading hospitality establishment in the beautiful Wairarapa, with a reputation for excellence in food, beverage, and entertainment, recently recognized again by Cuisine in the Good Food Guide 2025. The Screening Room is first and foremost known for its dining experience and, with a unique twist, has a boutique cinema on the side which plays beautifully into offering a full all-round hospitality and entertainment environment. Whilst many customers enjoy the sun-soaked deck for long lunches or evening cocktails, many more will take the opportunity to indulge in an evening of fine food and wine sometimes followed by a movie. Customers can also enjoy the experience of taking a platter and a bottle of wine into the cinema before their dinner booking. The Screening Room is a fast-growing business offering a unique experience and our kitchen brigade is central to that. We are all very proud of what we bring to the Wairarapa with many team members having been with us for years and others returning time & time again. We look forward to bringing a new Head Chef into our team to be part of the next exciting growth phase. Please only apply if you have previous experience as a head chef. This is a position that requires strong people management skills as well as proven track record as a great chef. Thank you for your time in looking at our ad, I look forward to meeting you and filling this position with the perfect candidate.

Masterton, New Zealand

Negotiable Salary

The White Swan Hotel | Chef De Partie63751595302787112

Trademe

The White Swan Hotel | Chef De Partie

About the Role We’re looking for a skilled Chef de Partie to join our high-performing kitchen team for the summer season. You’ll run your own section, deliver top-quality food, and be part of a crew that backs each other every shift. This is a great opportunity for someone who’s Hungry to grow, Humble in their approach, and Smart with people and service. What We Offer *$25–$30/hour (based on experience) *50% team discount on food and drinks *A supportive, fun team culture with great banter *Career development and training opportunities *Open Book Management – we share business data and empower our team *Minimum 30 hours/week, including at least one weekend day What You’ll Do *Run your own section (grill, larder, fryer, dessert) *Deliver top-quality food with care and precision *Keep your section clean, safe, and well-prepped *Communicate clearly and support your team *Contribute to a kitchen culture built on pride, professionalism, and hospitality What We’re Looking For *2+ years’ experience in a fast-paced commercial kitchen *NCEA Level 1 (essential if NZ resident) *NZ Certificate in Cookery Level 3 or 4 (preferred) *Fluent English *Understanding of Food Control Plans (Safe Food Pro experience a plus) *A “let’s do it” attitude, strong initiative, and team-first mindset About Us The White Swan Hotel is an iconic country hotel in Greytown, Wairarapa. We operate a 200+ seat gastro pub and a 40-seat elevated dining room. We’re growing, evolving, and committed to hospitality that connects people to place. We take care of our team, our community, and our environment—and we’re looking for people who want to be part of that journey. Apply Now Think you’d be a great fit and available from now until April 30th? We’d love to hear from you. *Send your CV and cover letter to Rosie at: rosie@thewhiteswanhotel.co.nz

South Wairarapa District, Wellington Region, New Zealand

Negotiable Salary