Chef De Partie

About the role

Hāpuku Lodge and Treehouses is seeking a talented Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team in Kaikōura, Canterbury. This is a full-time position (minimum 30 hours /week) based at our unique hospitality venue, where you will take charge of a specific section of our kitchen operations. As our Chef de Partie, you will be responsible for maintaining exceptional culinary standards, managing your station, and supporting the Head Chef in delivering outstanding dining experiences for our guests. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of our kitchen and the consistent quality of our cuisine.

Your duties will include:

· To take responsibility for the daily prep and punctual service of your section, ensuring mise en place is to standard, labelled, stored correctly and ready for service

· To maintain impeccable hygiene and safety standards across the kitchen operations

· Train and support junior kitchen staff within your section

· To follow recipes and procedures to ensure excellence & consistency across portion size, quality and presentation of all dishes

· Control food costs by monitoring portion sizes, minimising waste and managing inventory for your station

· Ensure efficient workflow during service, working under pressure to maintain timing and quality

· Collaborate with the Head Chef and other kitchen team members to develop new menus, seasonal dishes and special offerings

· Assist with stock management, ordering and receiving of ingredients as required

· Communicate clearly and effectively within the kitchen team and across other departments, building positive, collaborative relationships with our wider Lodge team

· Uphold a clean, organised, and efficient workstation at all times

What we're looking for

· A minimum of 3 years' professional kitchen experience working as a CDP for ideally 2+ years', in a fine dining or upmarket hospitality setting

· Strong knowledge of food safety standards, hygiene practices and kitchen health and safety regulations

· Excellent knife skills, with proficiency in food preparation techniques and cooking methods

· Ability to work efficiently under pressure whilst maintaining high standards during busy service periods

· Strong communication skills with the ability to motivate and develop junior team members

· Passion for quality seasonal ingredients, culinary creativity and continuous improvement

· Attention to detail with a commitment to precision in plating and presentation

· Recognised culinary qualification (NZQ Level 3 in Cookery, or equivalent)

· Flexibility to work a range of shifts, including weekends and public holidays

You'll enjoy:

· Being a key part of a creative and close knit kitchen team

· Contributing to the smooth flow of our kitchen operations

· Working with the freshest farm produce and quality local products

· Working in a team that values work-life balance; enjoying all the adventures Kaikoura and the region has to offer

· Good pay rates and a supportive work environment

· Staff perks, including discounted food and beverage

About us
Hāpuku Lodge and Treehouses is a luxurious hospitality destination located in the breathtaking Kaikōura region of Canterbury, New Zealand. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional guest experiences through world-class dining, stunning accommodation, and authentic Kiwi hospitality. Our philosophy centres on celebrating local ingredients, supporting our local community, and creating unforgettable moments for our guests. We are committed to sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and building a workplace culture where our team members feel valued, supported, and inspired to deliver excellence every day.

Apply now
If you are an experienced Chef de Partie with a passion for culinary excellence and a desire to work in a dynamic, creative kitchen environment, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any relevant qualifications to apply for this exciting opportunity with Hāpuku Lodge and Treehouses.