50 Chefs/Cooks in Wellington Region lowest at $25000.0+

Trademe

Executive Chef

With a proud history spanning 130 years, The Royal Wellington Golf Club has hosted multiple New Zealand Opens, National Amateur Championships, Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship with a second Asia Pacific Amateur Championship planned for February 2026. Set in beautiful surroundings with a discerning membership, and a reputation for excellence, this is a rare opportunity to bring your creativity, leadership, and culinary expertise to an amazing role. About the Role: You will be responsible for delivering a high-quality dining experience for function spaces, tournaments and private events. You’ll design seasonal menus using high quality locally sourced ingredients where possible. You’ll maintain premium standards of food presentation, and manage all kitchen operations including staff, budgets, and compliance. Key Responsibilities: * Source and use high quality local produce to create high-quality menus that cater to our members, guests, and private functions * Lead, mentor, and develop a skilled kitchen team * Oversee procurement, stock control, and supplier relationships * Manage menu planning for club events, conferences, weddings, and tournaments * Uphold high standards in food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance * Maintain cost controls, budgeting, and kitchen efficiency * Work seamlessly with the Management team to ensure an outstanding dining experience across the restaurant and cafe What We’re Looking For: * Proven experience as an Executive or Head Chef, ideally in a premium hospitality, resort, golf club, or events environment * Strong leadership and team management abilities * Skilled in menu development, event catering, à la carte dining. * Passionate about exceptional presentation, flavour, and consistency * Excellent communication, organisational, and time management skills * Solid knowledge of cost management, budgeting, food safety and regulations * A creative, hands-on chef who thrives in daily service and special event environments Benefits * Work in a stunning and peaceful setting overlooking championship golf grounds (maybe sneak in a round or two when work allows) * Showcase your creativity for high-end events and exclusive member dining * Supportive, collaborative and professional team. * Full-time role with competitive salary and benefits If you’re an inspired and experienced chef looking for a prestigious leadership role where your culinary talents can truly shine, we’d love to hear from you. Click apply now attaching your CV and cover letter or send an email to steve@coverstaff.co.nz.

Upper Hutt, New Zealand

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

Trademe

Head Chef

Whether it’s a round of pints, a classic feed, or a catch-up with mates, the Taproom is where locals come together. We’re all about fresh flavour, no-fuss hospitality, and creating a vibe that’s relaxed, welcoming, and unmistakably Kiwi. And we need a solid crew in the kitchen to keep it all humming. Tuatara Taproom is on the hunt for a full-time Head Chef who’s confident leading a high-performing kitchen and passionate about crafting consistently great food. You’ll bring serious culinary experience and know how to lead a tight team in a busy service. From writing fresh, crowd-pleasing menus to smashing service times and managing food and wage costs, you’ve got the tools to take the reins and keep the kitchen firing. Calm under pressure, strong with systems, and a natural leader – sound like you?

Upper Hutt, New Zealand

The White Swan Hotel | Chef De Partie63751595302787113

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