"Chef de Partie"

Job Description:

Fixed-term (7 months) | Full-time

Join one of New Zealand’s premier hospitality teaching environments and help shape the next generation of culinary talent.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As Chef de Partie, you will play a key role in producing high-quality, attractive, and nutritious food for our cafés, restaurant, and function services. You’ll work across varied sections, support daily kitchen operations, and help ensure a seamless workflow in the production kitchen, especially for Piko 2 Go.

This is a hands-on role perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys mentoring students, and is passionate about delivering consistent culinary excellence.

Nga haepapa matua | Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver food to a consistently high standard in line with kitchen policies.
• Participate in menu planning, costings, and portion control to support food cost targets.
• Uphold outstanding kitchen hygiene and food safety (HACCP) standards.
• Build positive working relationships with academic staff, students, and hospitality teams.
• Provide feedback on menu performance and customer insights.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment at all times.
• Follow all AUT health, safety, and security procedures.
• Support dietary needs and contribute to developing new Piko 2 Go menu items.
• Work collaboratively within a high-performing team, including academic and restaurant staff.
• Assist with function catering when required.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will bring:

• Minimum 5 years’ trade experience
• Trade qualification (diploma level preferred)
• Strong culinary skills and excellent food product knowledge
• Good understanding of current culinary trends, especially within NZ
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety requirements
• Effective communication, supervision, and interpersonal skills
• A positive, flexible attitude and strong teamwork ethos
• Attention to detail, professionalism, and great time-management

About Us | Ko wai mātou

AUT’s School of Hospitality & Tourism is home to Piko Café, Piko 2 Go Food Store, and the Four Seasons Training Restaurant — vibrant learning environments where students gain real-world experience under the guidance of industry experts. We are proud to be a socially driven university with equity, excellence, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi at the heart of everything we do.

We're looking for a skilled and motivated Chef de Partie to join our Production Kitchen team and contribute to outstanding food experiences across our hospitality outlets.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter and CV with your application by clicking the "APPLY" button.

Ngā Utu | Salary: $66,348

Tohutoro Mahi | Job Reference: 94144

Te rā aukati | Closing Date: 16th December 2025, 11:55pm

*Full-time denotes 40 hours per week