Head Chef | OnCampus Waikato

Full-time

We’re seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the OnCampus Waikato kitchen, delivering high-quality food and catering services for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa based at the Mangakōtukutuku campus in Hamilton.

In this role, you’ll oversee daily kitchen operations, lead and develop a skilled team, maintain excellent food, safety and hygiene standards, and contribute creatively to menu development. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-paced catering environment where quality, consistency and teamwork are key. This role demands a high standard of food production, incorporating knowledge and experience in Māori food preparation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations and ensure consistently high food quality

• Supervise food preparation, presentation, portion control and service standards

• Maintain food safety, hygiene and Health & Safety compliance

• Develop seasonal, relevant menus

• Menu costing/meeting agreed targets

• Manage stock, ordering, suppliers and monthly stocktakes

• Maintain clear, professional communication with all staff, customers and suppliers

About you

• Qualified in Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management (Level 4 & 5)

• Minimum 4 years’ experience managing a busy kitchen, ideally in catering

• Proven leadership, cost control and organisational skills

• Demonstrated experience in Māori cuisine

• Professional, reliable and calm under pressure

Work Hours

Full time, 40 hours, typically rostered 5 days across a 7-day week in line with operational needs, which may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and some public holidays. Flexibility is essential.

About UCSA

Nau Mai Ki Te Rōpū Akonga ō Te Whare Wānanga ō Waitaha

Welcome to The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA)

Established in 1894, the UCSA is a registered not-for-profit organisation that supports UC students to succeed and belong.

Our organisation is governed by an elected Student Executive, and we employ over 300 staff. Together, we dish up a range of student-focused services, including advocacy and welfare, representation, subsidised dental and optometry, early learning centres, club support, events, and media.

The UCSA commercial team manages several cafes and bars, as well as sizeable catering and events teams delivering services to students, staff, external customers and commercial partners.

How to Apply

Please apply through our careers site.

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they are received and we reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the application closing date