Head Chef, Career-Defining Opportunity

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. Lead one of New Zealand's most unique restaurant kitchens, in the heart of Milford Sound. This is a rare opportunity to create exceptional food in one of the world's most extraordinary locations, celebrating New Zealand's finest seasonal produce while helping shape a dining experience guests remember long after they leave. At Pio Pio, food is at the heart of our guest experience. We’re passionate about flavour, quality and creativity. Our kitchen celebrates local ingredients, bold flavours, thoughtful technique, and food that tells a story about place. All delivered through a professional, sustainable, and industry-leading operation. Now we’re looking for a Head Chef (or an ambitious Senior Sous Chef ready to step up) who shares that passion. Someone who genuinely loves food, cares deeply about what goes on the plate, and wants to grow into a confident, well-rounded kitchen leader. This role is based at Milford Sound Lodge, in one of the most extraordinary environments in the world. Pio Pio is an intimate, lodge restaurant serving around 60 guests each night - giving you the rare opportunity to cook at a high level, be creative, and take real pride in the dining experience you help create. Our food philosophy is grounded in: Seasonal, local New Zealand produce Hand-crafted elements and full-flavoured cooking Thoughtful, beautifully considered dishes that spark conversation A balance of creativity, refinement, and consistency We’re proud of our food. We care about flavour, technique, and experience. We want guests to leave talking about what they ate, not just where they stayed. Our ambition is to become New Zealand’s best remote restaurant - known not just for location, but for exceptional food, strong leadership, and a great team culture. The Opportunity An experienced Head Chef, or A Senior Sous Chef ready to take their first step into a Head Chef role What matters most is not your title - it’s your love of food, your curiosity, your leadership potential, and your desire to grow. You’ll be supported to: Develop your own leadership style Build confidence running a kitchen Learn how to balance creativity with consistency - including the commercial and operational realities that underpin a successful restaurant Grow into a Head Chef who is both inspiring and commercially strong What You’ll Be Doing Food & Creativity Leading menu development and seasonal changes Creating food that reflects place, produce, and personality Maintaining high standards of flavour, presentation, and consistency Inspiring your team to care about quality and craft Leadership & Team Leading the kitchen with calm, respect, and professionalism Coaching and mentoring your team Creating a positive, supportive environment where people grow Kitchen Management (the structure behind the scenes) Managing COGs, ordering, and rosters Keeping recipes and processes documented Using systems to create clarity, not control - ensuring the kitchen is both creatively fulfilling and commercially sustainable Improving how the kitchen runs month by month About You Passionate about great food and great produce A talented, creative chef who’s curious and excited to keep learning #J-18808-Ljbffr