Head Chef

The Old Vicarage is a busy suburban restaurant in Halswell, open 7 days a week and known for great food, a fun team, and fast-paced service. Set within a beautiful homestead surrounded by lush gardens, it’s a venue with real character and a loyal local following.

We’re looking for a strong, experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in a busy environment and takes pride in delivering consistently high-quality food while leading from the front.

This role is part of an exciting reset of the kitchen, with the opportunity to help build and shape a strong, aligned team from the ground up.

About the role:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous ready to step up

• Confident leading busy brunch and dinner services

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, train, and motivate a team

• Ability to manage kitchen operations, systems, and standards day to day

• Experience with ordering, stock control, and cost management

• Must be available to work nights and weekends

• Salary negotiable depending on experience

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen

• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene (subject to audit)

• Calm, organised, and solutions-focused under pressure

• A hands-on leader who leads by example on the floor

• Excellent communication with FOH & BOH

• Takes pride in consistency, presentation, and kitchen standards

• Ability to bring structure, accountability, and positive culture to the team

• This role suits someone who leads from the front, takes ownership, and brings the team with them

• This is a great opportunity for a chef who enjoys building structure, refining systems, and making a kitchen their own

• A good sense of humour and team-first attitude is a bonus

Key responsibilities:

• Leading day-to-day kitchen operations across brunch and dinner

• Running the pass and overseeing service quality and timing

• Managing, training, and developing kitchen staff

• Menu input and ongoing improvement of dishes and systems

• Ordering, stock control, and managing food cost

• Maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen

• Ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality food and presentation

In return, we offer:

• Stable hours throughout the year

• A supportive, fun team environment

• The opportunity to lead and shape the kitchen

• Room for growth and development

Please only apply if you can demonstrate the above skill set and provide references.
Applicants must be a NZ citizen/resident or hold a valid NZ working visa.