Our own Bach Café at Ocean Spa is on the lookout for a talented Assistant Chef to join our friendly and passionate team. This is a hands-on role where you’ll support the day-to-day kitchen and café operations, helping ensure food is prepared and presented to a high standard while contributing to a positive and efficient team environment.

Working closely with the Café Lead and Head Chef, you’ll play a key role in maintaining food safety, quality, and service excellence. From food preparation and stock control through to supporting operational improvements and stepping in as Duty Manager when needed, this role offers great variety and the chance to make a real impact on the customer experience.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Prepare and deliver high-quality hot and cold food and beverages, maintaining excellent standards of presentation, food safety, and hygiene

• Play a key role in the smooth day-to-day operation of the café, including stock monitoring, ordering, waste minimisation, and opening/closing procedures

• Act as Duty Manager when required, ensuring compliance with alcohol licensing laws and delivering a high standard of service

• Contribute to ongoing service improvements, equipment maintenance, and kitchen hygiene practices including pest control management

• Provide excellent customer service through efficient cash handling, retail support, and ensuring all activities align with council policies and legislative requirements

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• You have 2–3 years’ experience in hospitality, with strong skills in food preparation, service, and maintaining high kitchen standards

• You bring knowledge of menu preparation, stock control, and managing perishable goods, along with a solid understanding of compliance and food safety regulations

• You’re flexible and reliable, able to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as part of a rostered environment

• You hold a full, clean driver’s licence, and ideally have (or are willing to obtain) an LCQ

• You’re customer-focused with great relationship skills, and bonus points if you’re barista trained

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service

• Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy

• Retailer discounts + study assistance

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent full time position, across any 5 days as rostered (over 7 days an including public holidays)

The annual salary package for this role is between $59,773 – 70,321 (including KiwiSaver) with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Assistant Chef (The Bach)