Head Chef | Margo's

Margo’s isn’t your typical Mexican restaurant. We’re all about bold, Mexican-inspired flavours, creative dishes and an energetic dining experience.

Part of Future Hospitality Group (FHG), we’re looking for a Head Chef who loves being on the tools, takes pride in great food and knows how to run a busy kitchen.

The role

Bring bold ideas to the menu and lead a kitchen you’re proud of. This is a hands-on role where you’ll be on the tools, developing your team and delivering the food that keeps guests coming back to Margo’s.

Working with our Venue Manager and group leadership, you’ll have room to get creative and make your mark. You’ll pair that creativity with smart food cost management and strong kitchen systems, finding better ways to work without losing what makes the food great.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a minimum guaranteed hours of 30+ per week.

What you’ll be doing

Lead the kitchen: Run service, organise prep and support the team to deliver consistent, well-presented food.

Develop your team: Build skills, set clear expectations and create a positive working environment.

Own the systems: Lead consistent use of our kitchen systems and help improve how we work.

Manage and improve food costs: Take ownership of cost of goods sold (COGS), using accurate costing, portion control, purchasing and stock management to reduce waste and improve results.

Keep operations on track: Manage rostering, ordering, food safety, hygiene and safe working practices.

Shape the menu: Bring fresh ideas and work with venue and group leadership on creative, commercially sound dishes.

Work with front of house: Keep communication clear and service running smoothly.

What we’re looking for

Head Chef or Sous Chef experience in a busy commercial kitchen, including leading a team and managing service.

Strong cooking skills and a sound understanding of food safety and kitchen operations.

Confidence using kitchen systems, managing food costs and identifying improvements.

Clear communication, good organisation and a practical approach to solving problems.

Passion for bold flavours and creative food. Mexican-inspired cuisine experience is a bonus.

Why join FHG?

Support around you: Work alongside venue and group leadership, supporting with recruitment, costing and menu creation.

Room to contribute: Bring your ideas to an established kitchen and help shape its future.

Career development: Opportunities to grow within a multi-venue hospitality group.

Great perks: 50% off at FHG venues, discounts with selected Queenstown partners, discounted gym memberships, Pilates and other staff benefits.

If you love great food and are ready to bring your skills and ideas to Margo’s, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply with your CV and a short introduction outlining your relevant kitchen and leadership experience.