Head Chef | Finn's Taupo

Finn’s Taupō is a busy gastro pub in the heart of the CBD, known for great food, lively services and a welcoming atmosphere. We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to take the lead in the kitchen, bring the team together and drive a strong food offering.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who enjoys the pace of a busy pub, takes pride in their food and knows how to get the best out of their team while keeping service running smoothly.

About the role

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, setting the standard for food and service
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, preparation and service
• Deliver consistent, quality food across the pub menu and wood-fired pizza offering
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and kitchen budgets
• Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness and compliance
• Work with the venue leadership team on menus, specials and ongoing improvements
• Train and develop team members while building a positive kitchen culture
• Stay hands-on during service and lead by example when things get busy

About you

You’re an experienced Head Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready to step up, with:

- 3+ years’ experience in a senior kitchen leadership role

- Experience in a busy pub or high-volume hospitality environment

- Pizza experience, ideally with a wood-fired pizza oven

- Strong understanding of kitchen operations, food costs and stock control

- The ability to lead, coach and develop a team

- A practical, hands-on approach and a strong work ethic

- The ability to stay calm, organised and solutions-focused under pressure

- A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering great food

You’re a natural leader who enjoys being on the tools, building a strong team and creating a kitchen that delivers, even during the busiest services.

Why join Finn’s?

- Competitive salary plus annual bonus of up to $20K, paid quarterly

- Staff discounts across 240+ venues in New Zealand and Australia

- Take ownership of the kitchen at a well-known Taupō gastro pub

- Work with a wood-fired pizza oven and a varied pub-style menu

- CBD location in the heart of Taupō

- Strong weekend trade and a lively calendar of events

- The opportunity to put your own stamp on the menu and kitchen operations

- Lead, develop and grow your own kitchen team

- Be part of a venue with plenty happening across food, sport, live music and events

If you’re a hands-on chef who loves a busy service, great pub food and bringing a team together, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and make your mark at Finn’s!