Chef Manager Compass Group New Zealand location Auckland.

The opportunity we are looking for a Chef Manager to lead our Auckland Lounge kitchen operations. This role offers the opportunity to manage catering quality, food safety, and ensure a welcoming, organised environment that aligns with Compass Group's high standards. You will need to love cooking, be a great chef and have the confidence to lead a team.

Overall Purpose of the Role As Chef Manager, you'll lead a small but mighty team to provide top-tier food experiences while upholding Compass Group's values of excellence and sustainability.

You'll manage kitchen operations, maintain food safety compliance, and oversee a team that consistently meets client expectations. Through strong leadership and strategic thinking, you'll create an environment that ensures a seamless, high-quality experience for lounge guests.

Your responsibilities guest Experience & Quality Control Deliver outstanding culinary experiences with high standards for food quality, buffet presentation, and visual appeal. Team Leadership Develop, mentor, and support kitchen staff.

Client Relationships Build strong, lasting relationships with clients, taking responsibility for ensuring satisfaction and handling any issues professionally. Operational Management Create and manage rosters, collaborate with managers to align on food prep and planning, and oversee effective stock management.

Cost Management & Budgeting Control food and operational costs by maintaining accurate costing, inventory systems, and reducing waste. Compliance & Food Safety Ensure adherence to all food safety, health, and hygiene regulations, maintaining a safe environment for both staff and guests.

Supply Chain & Inventory Develop a strong understanding of supply chain processes, maintain timely stock levels, and forecast inventory to meet demand.

About you cooking and Culinary Expertise Bring a deep passion for food, paired with strong culinary skills and knowledge, managing stock, ensuring food safety, and maintaining a clean, organised kitchen. Client & Consumer Focus Consistently deliver exceptional service, striving to exceed client and customer expectations.

Team Development Foster team growth and commitment through regular feedback, coaching, and recognition. Relationship Building Communicate effectively, building rapport with team members, managers, clients and passengers etc.

Strategic Vision Understand and implement medium-term plans to support company goals and drive operational success. Continuous Improvement Encourage innovation and seek out ways to enhance the lounge experience. Results-Driven Manage budgets effectively, optimise resource use, and improve operational efficiency.

Essential Skills & experience proven experience in a similar role within hospitality or catering- minimum of 1-2 years' experience necessary. Strong knowledge of food hygiene and safety practices. Ability to manage budgets and achieve financial targets. Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing teams in a high-performance environment. Strong client relationship skills and commercial acumen.

Desirable Qualifications NZQA Food Handling Certificate (Units 167 & 168) or equivalent. NZQA Level 4 Cookery qualification. Contract management experience. Experience managing multi-service environments (cleaning, laundry).

Benefit & perks competitive remuneration. Training & Development Programs. Career Development Opportunities. Discounts on Medical insurance, and banks, to hotels, insurance, and more. Rewards and recognition, EAP Services.

About us we are New Zealand's leading and largest provider of food and support services across multiple industries. These industry sectors are managed by our sub brands Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, and ESS.

We specialise in turning ordinary acts of service into extraordinary experiential moments for our clients. With innovative and talented teams across New Zealand, we transform experiences from being GOOD to GREAT. Our people are awesome, they breathe life into our brands and make great things happen.

Our strength comes from the combination of the things we have in common - our shared values, vision, and purpose and to make our commitment unique for you - RESPECT, GROWTH and TEAMWORK are the founding pillars of these commitments.

We are an equal opportunity employer; we celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates will be able to satisfactorily pass a police clearance. Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

If you're ready to take on a rewarding leadership role and are committed to creating unforgettable dining experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in delivering excellence in the Auckland Lounge. Apply today.