Experienced Pastry Chef

Pastry Chef

About Us

We’re looking for team members who are eager to learn, take pride in their work, and are passionate about creating memorable experiences for our guests.

We believe in the true meaning of guest service — anticipating needs before they’re asked for — and we’re looking for people who share that belief. If you see hospitality as more than just a job, but as a career built on care, professionalism, and genuine human connection, then you’ll feel right at home with us.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson ~ A Heritage Hotel is Nelson's only 24-hour fully-serviced hotel. We’re proud to provide luxurious rooms, suites, and dining experiences for our guests — not customers, because hospitality is about warmth, sincerity, and treating people as if they’ve “arrived home” after a long journey.

We believe in helping our team shape meaningful careers in hospitality. Through training, support, and opportunities to grow, you’ll develop skills that will stay with you for life.

We’re also deeply connected to our community and surroundings. Nestled between four national parks in the Nelson Tasman region, our environment offers a richness of culture, nature, and produce — from world-class seafood and chocolate to the world-famous peanut butter, local lemonades, craft beer, wine, and spirits. Living and working here means becoming an ambassador for everything this region has to offer.

What We Offer

• Competitive wages and fair treatment for all, balanced with clear expectations of performance
• Career growth and development with ServiceIQ (https://www.serviceiq.org.nz/)
• Nationwide discounts through Perks.co.nz (https://www.perks.co.nz)
• Free parking at the hotel
• Free meals while on duty
• One free night’s stay each year including dinner and breakfast for two (after 3 months’ continuous employment)
• 25% staff discount at Rutherford Hotel Nelson

But more than that — you’ll be part of a supportive team culture where learning, growth, and pride in service are at the heart of what we do

About You

Our greatest asset is our people. We’re looking for passionate and skilled Chefs who want to continue learning, develop their career, and deliver outstanding guest experiences. If you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment and are motivated by creativity and teamwork, this role is for you.

The Role

As Pastry Chef at Rutherford Hotel Nelson, you’ll play a key role in our culinary team, preparing high-quality dishes, supporting innovation, and ensuring consistency in every plate we serve. You’ll work alongside talented chefs in a professional and supportive kitchen environment.

Skills & Attributes

Culinary & Technical Skills

• Strong foundation in various cooking techniques
• Proficiency in large-scale banquet production as well as à la carte cooking
• Create a wide range of high-quality pastries, desserts, and baked goods
• Ensure compliance/knowledge of Food safety, allergens, FCP/HACCP - Culinary degree or relevant certification preferred
• Exceptional baking and pastry skills with a keen eye for detail

Leadership & Management

• Manage bulk production for large events, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Design and prepare a la carte dessert menus with innovative and seasonal offerings - Collaborate with the culinary team to develop new recipes and improve existing ones
• Effective communication with Front of House team members and Kitchen team members

Organisational & Operational Skills

• Efficient mise en place managment for high-volume events and daily service
• Time management under pressure, balancing simultaneous service demands
• Cost control: portioning, yield, waste

Creativity & Adaptability

• Ability to adapt menus to changing guest needs
• Presentation skills for various settings
• Problem-solving ability

Striving for Excellence and a Commitment to Improvement

• Consistently strive to achieve the highest standards and continuously improve in every aspect of being a chef and a team player
• Dedicated to developing your own and the team’s skills and abilities through ongoing learning and hard work

Why Join Us?

Because hospitality is about people. Our people. Our guests. Our community. We want individuals who not only share this passion but who are ready to become ambassadors for all we stand for.

If you’re motivated to grow, eager to learn, and want to be part of something bigger — this is your opportunity.

Apply Now

Why wait? Apply today and take the first step towards a meaningful career in hospitality.

Before applying, we encourage you to learn a little about who we are — our website http://www.rutherfordhotel.nz is a great starting point. We want applicants who are genuinely excited about working with us and what we represent.