Head Chef & Venue Manager

Arches is set to become Balclutha’s ultimate modern hospitality venue when it opens later this year as we strive to deliver another premier dining option for Balclutha and the wider South Otago region.

With the new build nearly complete at the historic old Hotel South Otago site, we’re now looking for a dynamic Head Chef & Venue Manager to shape our kitchen and front of house operations and lead our team to create a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.

Take charge and enjoy an exciting opportunity to own the customer experience. From menu creativity to service excellence - make your mark in a new and highly anticipated venue.

About the Role
The Head Chef & Venue Manager role is a permanent, full-time position working across a seven day/week roster. It's a diverse and rewarding role, ideal for someone with both culinary talent and hospitality leadership experience.

You will be responsible for:

Recruiting, training and leading highly performing kitchen and FOH teams
Overseeing all aspects of our daily kitchen and venue operations
Developing and maintaining creative and appealing menus
Managing stock, suppliers and food and beverage costs
Customer experience and overall service execution
Mentoring staff and providing ongoing training
Rostering
Assisting with promotions and events

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will have the autonomy to shape both food and service delivery from the ground up as you ensure Arches delivers consistently high standards and a positive customer dining experience at all times.

What Are We Looking For?
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced chef with strong leadership skills and a high level of creativity. With a strong background in hospitality, you’ll also be a confident leader and communicator, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a passion for delivering outstanding customer service.

The successful candidate will know what is required to keep both staff and customers happy, with the ability to produce a menu that balances innovative dishes with crowd favourites, and proven experience leading a high performing team. Thriving in a fast-paced environment you will maintain a calm demeanour and high level of professionalism during peak times, as well as top quality food standards.

The successful applicant will also bring experience in cost control and supplier management and will have a strong understanding of food safety and alcohol regulations and compliance.

Our ideal candidate will also have:

3+ years' experience in a senior chef role, and FOH or hospitality management experience (preferable)
New Zealand Certificate (Level 4) in Cookery (or equivalent qualification and/or experience)
Current Licence Controller Qualification and Managers Certificate (or be able to obtain one)
Completed a food safety course within the past three years
A strong focus on customer service, building relationships and driving consistency
A solid understanding of health and safety and legal regulation compliance
Computer and IT skills –MS Office and relevant restaurant management software
Budgeting and menu costing skills
Excellent communication skills
Strong leadership skills and the ability to train and motivated a team
The ability to work effectively under pressure and multitask
A professional and collaborative approach to managing staff
A commitment to food and service excellence

What Can We Offer?

The opportunity to launch a brand new and highly anticipated establishment
The change to build and train your own teams
A rewarding role and the chance to play a key part in the delivery of an exciting new hospitality venue for the South Otago region
A competitive salary and staff benefits

If you’re looking for your next challenge in hospitality and are keen to be part of something exciting, please apply online or for more information contact Tamara Pine – HR South: tamara@hrsouth.co.nz or 027 257 8576.