Chef de Partie

Busy café in central Queenstown seeking an experienced Chef de Partie for a permanent full-time role. Work across breakfast, brunch, takeaway, dessert and late-night hospitality service in a fast-paced tourism environment. Minimum 30 guaranteed hours per week with competitive pay based on skills and experience. Weekend, evening and late-night availability required.

Gattos Café, operated by Newen Limited, is a busy hospitality business located in central Queenstown, operating across dine-in, takeaway, dessert service, catering and extended evening hospitality service within Queenstown’s tourism environment.

The business operates extended trading hours including evening and late-night service periods during peak tourism seasons. We are seeking an experienced and reliable Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team in a permanent full-time role.

The successful applicant will work across multiple areas of the kitchen and assist with the preparation, cooking and service of a range of breakfast, brunch, lunch, sweet and savoury menu items within a fast-paced commercial hospitality environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, present and portion menu items according to business recipes, preparation methods and presentation standards.

• Prepare and cook a variety of breakfast, brunch, lunch, sweet and savoury dishes including crepes, churros, sauces, fillings, batters, garnishes and other café menu items.

• Coordinate and support kitchen operations during food preparation and busy service periods while maintaining consistency and efficiency.

• Support kitchen operations during breakfast, brunch, daytime, evening and late-night service periods.

• Ensure all food is prepared in accordance with Food Control Plan requirements, food safety regulations and allergen management procedures.

• Monitor food quality, consistency, presentation and portion control standards throughout service.

• Manage mise en place and ensure food preparation areas are organised and fully prepared prior to service periods.

• Assist with menu updates, seasonal specials and product improvements when required.

• Supervise and assist kitchen hands and junior staff during food preparation and service.

• Assist with maintaining kitchen workflow, preparation planning and service coordination during peak operating periods.

• Assist with ordering, stock rotation, stock control and minimising food waste.

• Receive and check deliveries to ensure ingredient quality, stock accuracy and correct storage procedures.

• Follow cleaning schedules and maintain compliance with New Zealand food safety standards and the Food Control Plan.

• Monitor and record fridge, freezer, cooking and hot holding temperatures.

• Maintain high standards of hygiene, sanitation and cross-contamination prevention.

• Assist with catering preparation, takeaway service and food truck operations when required.

• Maintain food quality, consistency and preparation standards during high-volume and extended operating hours.

• Report stock shortages, equipment faults and food safety concerns to management.

• Work collaboratively within a small kitchen team to ensure efficient kitchen operations and service consistency.

• Be available to work flexible rostered shifts including weekends, evenings, late-night service periods and public holidays.

Skills & Experience Required

• At least 2 years relevant commercial cooking or kitchen experience preferred.

• Previous experience working in a café, restaurant or high-volume hospitality kitchen preferred.

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment.

• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and kitchen operations.

• Ability to maintain efficiency and consistency during extended and high-volume service periods.

• Ability to maintain high standards under pressure during busy service periods.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

• Good communication, time management and organisational skills.

• Relevant cookery qualification preferred but not essential where sufficient experience is demonstrated.

Employment Information

Location: Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand

Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time

Guaranteed Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week, with additional hours available during peak seasonal periods.

Hourly Rate: NZD $29 – $30 depending on skills and experience.

The café operates extended trading hours including evenings and late-night shifts.

Applicants must be available to work flexible rostered shifts across daytime, evening and late-night service periods.