Head Chef

Head Chef – The Locker Room Sports Bar

Purpose of the Role

The Head Chef plays a key leadership role within The Locker Room Sports Bar, managing and developing the kitchen team to deliver food that meets the venue’s exceptional standards and strong reputation. This role ensures consistency, creativity, and excellence across all menu items, while maintaining a safe, efficient, and inspiring kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

Food Quality and Consistency
Prepare and present high-quality dishes that align with The Locker Room’s menu and food philosophy. Maintain a clean, organised, and well-prepared workspace, and manage ingredients efficiently to minimise waste. Consistently deliver food that exceeds guest expectations and upholds our reputation for outstanding comfort food and casual dining.

Menu Development and Creativity
Contribute to the evolution of The Locker Room’s menu by researching new ingredients, recipes, and techniques. Stay informed on industry trends and actively participate in kitchen meetings to introduce and refine innovative ideas that keep our offering fresh, inspiring, and on brand.

Health and Food Safety Compliance
Ensure full compliance with The Locker Room’s Food Control Plan and all health and safety regulations. Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and safety across all preparation areas, record and manage hazards appropriately, and ensure all inspections achieve an ‘A’ grade or higher.

Financial and Operational Management
Assist in managing kitchen budgets and costs, keeping waste and errors to a minimum. Maintain accurate records, contribute to performance reports, and balance flavour and quality with cost efficiency. Support the business’s overall financial success through smart resource management and operational efficiency.

Team Leadership and Development
Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture by building strong relationships with team members and colleagues. Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and training to support development and performance. Lead by example to create a motivated, high-performing team that reflects The Locker Room’s values of teamwork, consistency, and excellence.

Additional Duties
Undertake special projects or tasks as requested to meet company needs and objectives.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and communication skills

• Organised, self-motivated, and proactive

• Creative, adaptable, and solutions-focused

• Committed to excellence and continuous improvement

• Able to perform effectively under pressure

• Professional in presentation and conduct

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability

Knowledge and Skills

• Qualified Chef or experienced Cook

• Strong understanding of the food and hospitality industry

• Proficient in basic computer applications (including Excel)

• Demonstrated ability to manage a team and deliver results

Education and Training

• National Certificate (Level 4) in Cookery or equivalent

• NZQA Food Safety and Hygiene Certification

Experience

• Proven experience in the hospitality or food industry, ideally in a leadership role