Head Chef | Dark Sky Project

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Tekapo

Description

Permanent, Full-Time

Lake Tekapō / Takapō

Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us.

Food. Place. Purpose.

Ready to lead a kitchen unlike anywhere else on Earth?

Dark Sky Project is seeking an experienced and values‑driven Head Chef (Kaitunu Matua) to lead our kitchen at one of Aotearoa’s most unique visitor experiences, located within the International Dark Sky Reserve at Lake Tekapō.

This is an opportunity to lead, inspire, and create exceptional food experiences that connect people to place, culture, and story — while being part of Ngāi Tahu Tourism, one of New Zealand’s most respected tourism operators.

About Us

Dark Sky Project brings together astronomy, Tātai Arorangi (Māori astronomy), storytelling and hospitality in a world‑first experience.

Guided by Ngāi Tahu values, we are deeply connected to our people and whenua. Manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, rangatiratanga and whanaungatanga sit at the heart of everything we do.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will provide strong, hands‑on leadership to a high‑performing kitchen team, delivering consistently outstanding food that enhances the overall manuhiri (visitor) journey.

This role is responsible for both operational excellence and people leadership, with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, cost control, and cultural values.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading day‑to‑day kitchen operations to ensure smooth, safe and high‑quality service
• Developing, reviewing and evolving menus that reflect seasonality, local produce and connection to place
• Actively participating in food preparation to ensure consistency, quality and presentation
• Managing food budgets, cost control, stock levels and minimising waste
• Leading, mentoring and developing kitchen kaimahi, including rostering and workforce planning
• Ensuring compliance with food safety standards, audits and council requirements
• Championing sustainable practices and kaitiakitanga in everyday kitchen operations
• Working collaboratively with front‑of‑house and leadership teams to deliver an exceptional guest experience

You’ll bring:

• At least 1 year’s experience as a Head Chef or in an equivalent senior kitchen leadership role
• Proven experience leading, supervising and developing kitchen teams
• Strong menu development, food preparation and presentation skills
• Sound knowledge of food safety, cost control, portioning and inventory management
• The ability to lead calmly and effectively in a fast‑paced, customer‑focused environment
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills
• A commitment to sustainability, continuous improvement and high standards
• Cultural awareness and a genuine willingness to engage with Ngāi Tahu values, tikanga and te reo Māori

NZ Certificate in Cookery Level 3 (or higher) is preferred but not essential with relevant experience.

Why Join Dark Sky Project?

This isn’t just another Head Chef role — it’s a chance to be part of something truly special.

We offer:

• Medical insurance
• A newly designed uniform
• Staff discounts across all Ngāi Tahu Tourism businesses nationwide
• Competitive pay and permanent, stable hours
• A supportive, values‑led workplace
• Ongoing training and development
• The opportunity to live and work in breathtaking Lake Tekapō

Relocation support conversations are welcomed.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re a Head Chef who wants to combine exceptional food, meaningful values, and an extraordinary location, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now — applications are reviewed as they are received.

Dark Sky Project is a fun, unique and safe place to work. Employment is subject to pre‑employment checks, including drug and alcohol testing.