Head Chef

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Head Chef leads the kitchen operation at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, overseeing food preparation, service quality, menu execution, hygiene, stock control and kitchen costs. Candidates should have substantial professional kitchen experience, preferably in a hotel or high-volume hospitality environment, with proven leadership skills and strong knowledge of food safety standards. A relevant culinary qualification and experience managing, training and motivating a diverse team are expected. The successful candidate should be organised, commercially aware, calm under pressure and committed to consistent guest experiences. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays is essential, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with hotel management and front-of-house teams.

About the employer

Novotel is Accor’s internationally recognised midscale hotel brand, offering comfortable accommodation, practical facilities and welcoming service for business and leisure travellers. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu in central Queenstown, a major tourism destination known for its dramatic alpine scenery and year-round activities. As part of Accor, the hotel benefits from a global hospitality network, established training resources, employee benefits and opportunities for career mobility across brands and countries. The property serves hotel guests, groups and local visitors through its accommodation, restaurant, bar and events operations. Accor places emphasis on guest satisfaction, professional development, inclusion, responsible hospitality and teamwork. The Head Chef would contribute directly to the hotel’s culinary reputation, operational performance and overall guest experience.

Working in New Zealand

New Zealand offers strong opportunities in hospitality, tourism, construction, healthcare, agriculture, technology and skilled trades, especially in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and other tourism centres. The culture is generally friendly, informal and multicultural, with an emphasis on work-life balance, respect and outdoor recreation. Lifestyle highlights include hiking, skiing, beaches, lakes and a strong café and food scene, although housing and living costs can be high in Queenstown. Eligible applicants may use Working Holiday, Accredited Employer Work Visa or other skilled-residence pathways; requirements depend on nationality, age, occupation, qualifications and employer accreditation. A valid job offer, health and character checks, and appropriate work rights are commonly required. Relocating typically involves arranging accommodation, tax registration, banking, healthcare cover and transport. Queenstown is scenic and active but relatively expensive, so candidates should budget carefully before moving.