Snr Chef de Partie/ Sous Chef/ Head Chef

Join Us at Kinloch Manor & Villas. We are seeking the creme of the creme, the truffle among the mushrooms, the soufflé in a world of cupcakes.

About Us: we are proud to run two of the most luxurious lodges in New Zealand:

Kinloch Manor & Villas, just outside Taupō, perches above the golf course offering breathtaking views of Lake Taupō. It’s where luxury meets elegant, award‑winning design.

Treetops Lodge & Estate, near Rotorua, is a 5‑star sanctuary within 2,500 acres of ancient native forest—truly a uniquely New Zealand experience in a serene and stunning setting.

What is the Role? For this coming season, starting as soon as possible, in the interest of attracting the best, we are flexible; you are welcome to apply for fixed term, a casual role, or a permanent role, breakfast chef, or dinning chef or both - there are options available - main criteria:

• Proven experience as a Snr Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Head Chef or Chef de Cuisine, in high-end lodges, hotels, or restaurants.
• Creative flair for menu creation and recipe development that aligns with seasonal and local produce.
• Strong cost control, inventory management, and stock ordering experience.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and hygiene compliance standards in NZ.
• Sharp palate, eye for detail, and dedication to consistent food quality and presentation.
• You are reliable for whatever amount of time you choose to be on site, i.e. permanent, casual or fixed term.

Why you will love working with us: 1/ Estate‑to‑Plate philosophy: produce menus around produce sourced from our own estates—fresh, seasonal, uniquely local. 2/ Creative autonomy: lead and execute menu development in the stunning Kinloch Manor kitchen. 3/ Leadership & mentorship: We are lucky enough to have mentoring from executive chefs, Des Harris and Zehb Carr available

Your Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day kitchen operations
• Supervise and lead kitchen staff
• Maintain kitchen standards
• Enforce health, safety, and sanitation protocols under NZ regulations.
• Collaborate with front-of-house and management to ensure smooth service and special events.
• A culinary qualification or relevant experience is strongly preferred.

Essentials NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Want to Find Your Culinary Home? We value authenticity, creativity, and leadership in a luxury lodge setting. If you're ready to take full ownership of the kitchen in a permanent role or want to experience a change of scenery for the season, limited time, and have a desire to elevate guest dining experiences across two exquisite lodges—this is your opportunity. Get in touch, let us know your availability and let's see what we can make happen- we love the idea of getting skilled chefs together to create magic!

Job summary Are you keen to expand your culinary career and thrive in a luxury, immersive environment, we’d love to hear from you! Calling passionate foodies! Key selling points Competitive market pay rates Boutique lodges with a passion for guest service Work in stunning locations