Executive Chef

Role overview

As Executive Chef, you will lead the hotel’s entire culinary function and shape memorable dining experiences for guests. This position calls for a creative culinary leader who can design appealing menus, maintain consistently high standards, and steer day-to-day kitchen performance with a strong focus on quality, guest satisfaction, and profitability.

Key responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen and culinary activity, making sure food preparation and service meet high standards for taste, presentation, cost management, and business performance.
• Work closely with the Food and Beverage Manager to create new menus and refresh menu items in line with food trends and local preferences.
• Connect with guests and clients, gather feedback, resolve concerns, and use insights to improve the dining experience.
• Manage culinary budgets, forecasts, and reports so financial goals are achieved and operations remain aligned with hotel objectives.
• Improve kitchen systems, routines, and workflows to support smooth and efficient service.
• Build a strong kitchen team through performance management, staff development, engagement, and recognition.
• Maintain full compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol-awareness requirements.

Required qualifications

• A tertiary-level culinary qualification.
• Previous experience leading a kitchen in a 4-star or 5-star hotel, or in a high-standard standalone restaurant.
• Experience in a comparable role within international chain hotels.

About the employer

The organisation is a globally recognised hospitality brand known for creating outstanding guest experiences and fostering a strong workplace culture. The company values hospitality, integrity, leadership, teamwork, ownership, and urgency, and expects team members to bring these principles into their daily work.

Additional information

This opportunity is based in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. The role is full-time and onsite. The employer highlights a culture focused on career growth, team support, and delivering memorable stays for guests.

Who fits this role

Professionals with strong culinary leadership experience, a background in premium hospitality environments, and the ability to balance creativity, operational discipline, and team development will be well suited to this position.