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.
• 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.

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.

Are you a passionate pastry chef who loves creating beautiful desserts, working with seasonal ingredients and taking real ownership of your section?

We are looking for an experienced Chef de Partie – Pastry to join our kitchen team at Rutherford Hotel Nelson.

This is an opportunity for someone who wants more than simply following recipes. We are looking for a chef who can run the pastry section, bring fresh ideas to the table and help us continue developing our dessert and pastry offering.

You will be responsible for pastry and dessert production across our restaurant, functions, conferences, High Tea and special events — from individual plated desserts through to large-scale banquet production.

What you’ll be doing

Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the pastry section.

Create and prepare high-quality desserts, pastries, cakes, baked goods and petit fours.

Develop seasonal à la carte desserts and contribute new ideas to menus.

Produce pastry and desserts for weddings, conferences, High Tea and large events.

Manage mise en place, preparation and service efficiently.

Maintain consistently high standards of presentation, flavour and quality.

Work closely with the Executive Chef and wider kitchen team on menu development.

Manage portion control, yields, wastage and food costs within your section.

Maintain excellent food safety, allergen, FCP and HACCP standards.

Support, guide and share knowledge with junior chefs and apprentices.

What we’re looking for

You will be a creative, organised and reliable chef who takes pride in their craft and enjoys being part of a professional kitchen team.

Ideally, you will have:

Strong professional pastry and baking skills.

Experience working at Chef de Partie level, or be ready to step into that responsibility.

Confidence running a pastry section independently.

Experience with both à la carte desserts and high-volume function production.

A strong eye for detail and presentation.

Excellent organisation and time-management skills.

Good understanding of food safety, allergens and dietary requirements.

The ability to remain calm and organised during busy services and large events.

A positive attitude and willingness to contribute ideas, not just follow them.

What makes this role exciting

This is a chance to put your own stamp on the pastry section.

We want someone who is passionate about pastry, proud of what they put on the plate and excited about developing new ideas alongside the Executive Chef and kitchen team.

You will have the opportunity to work across:

Restaurant desserts

High Tea

Weddings and conferences

Large banquets and events

Seasonal menu development

Special functions and creative projects

If you enjoy creativity, quality ingredients, great presentation and taking ownership of your section, we’d love to hear from you.

Come and help us shape the future of pastry at Rutherford Hotel Nelson.

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 www.rutherfordhotel.nz is a great starting point. We want applicants who are genuinely excited about working with us and what we represent.

Applicants for this position need NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

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