Kneed Bakery/Cafe is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our passionate kitchen team in Papamoa Beach, Bay of Plenty. This full-time role will see you overseeing all culinary operations, from menu development to staff management, to ensure the highest standards of food quality and service in our vibrant bakery. What you'll be doing Develop and refine the menu, ensuring creative and innovative dishes that showcase the best local and seasonal ingredients Manage and mentor the kitchen team, providing training and support to maintain exceptional food preparation and presentation Oversee food ordering, inventory, and cost control to maximise profitability Ensure strict compliance with all health and safety standards in the kitchen Foster a positive and collaborative working environment in the kitchen Work closely with the front-of-house team to deliver an exceptional customer experience What we're looking for Experience as a Head Chef or equivalent senior culinary role, preferably in a busy artisan bakery or café environment Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing kitchen teams Excellent knowledge of food preparation techniques, menu planning, and food cost management Passion for using fresh, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients to create outstanding baked goods and dishes Strong communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with the wider business Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene What we offer At Kneed Bakery, we pride ourselves on creating a collaborative, supportive, and flexible work environment. You'll enjoy a competitive salary, opportunities for career growth, and a range of staff benefits including: Generous staff discounts on our bakery products Professional development and training opportunities Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance Access to our employee wellbeing program About us Kneed is a locally-owned and operated bakery and café, dedicated to crafting high-quality baked goods, seasonal dishes, and specialty coffee using the finest locally-sourced and sustainably-produced ingredients. We are passionate about supporting our local community and creating a warm and welcoming environment for our customers. If you're a talented and experienced Head Chef who shares our passion for exceptional food and customer service, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to join our team. #J-18808-Ljbffr