Head of Culinary
We’re on the lookout for super social rockstars to join our hospo family and enjoy the perks that come with it!
Are you someone with a keen eye for detail for all things food and a passion for leading teams to thrive? Do you excel in a fast-paced environment and seek an opportunity to hone those skills? If so, we have the perfect role for you! Opportunities like this are rare (it could be how you prefer your steak), so don’t miss your chance to be part of something exciting.
Welcome to Star Group – a hospitality powerhouse, bringing together some of the best bars, pubs, and restaurants across the country. As we continue to grow, we’re on the lookout for a Head of Culinary to join our team.
About the Role
As our Head of Culinary, you’ll play a key role in driving culinary excellence at Star and contributing to our overall strategy. You’ll be involved in:
- Leading and coaching Executive and Group Chefs to achieve financial performance targets, including food and labour costs, while ensuring alignment with Star Hospitality’s KPIs.
- Overseeing culinary operations and menu development across the network, maintaining food quality, innovation, and customer experience.
- Driving, learning and development of initiatives within the networks culinary team, ensuring effective staffing levels, skills growth, and succession planning.
- Developing and implementing strategic projects that enhance efficiency, capitalise on food trends, and diversify revenue streams.
- Champion health, safety, and compliance standards across all kitchens, fostering a strong safety culture and ensuring consistent A-grade ratings.
About You
We’re after someone who’s:
- Natural leader – you’re a natural leader who inspires structure and precision, guiding others with your organised and detail-driven approach
- A team player – you’re approachable, proactive, and enjoy working collaboratively with other Back of House team members
- Adaptable – you’re comfortable juggling a variety of tasks in a fast-paced setting
- A great communicator – you can build strong relationships across teams
Why Join Us?
At Star Group, you’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive team where your contributions make a real impact. We offer development opportunities, a close-knit and collaborative work environment, and a few perks along the way!
If this sounds like the perfect next step in your career – and you’re legally entitled to work in NZ - we’d love to hear from you.
- Types of roles
- Leadership
- Role
- Head of Culinary
- Locations
- Star Group | Wellington, Star Group | Auckland
- Employment Type
- Full-time
Tell Me The Perks!
Financial
Because Mahi Makes Us Better, we offer groupwide incentives and generous discounts across 40+ unique establishments for permanent staff, rewarding the dedication and hard work that drives our success. And because we care about the well-being of our team, we offer comprehensive parental leave benefits, including top-ups and paid leave for senior staff, so you can focus on what matters most!
Social
We know that Having Fun is key to building strong connections, so we celebrate our people through monthly rewards by recognising those who bring joy and teamwork to every shift. We also know that work is more fun with friends, so we encourage you to bring your mates along for the ride and you’ll receive a generous "Refer a Friend" finder’s fee!
Celebrate & Develop
At Star, we’re all about Being Curious and encouraging growth. Our "Star of the Month" and Rockstar awards highlight your achievements, offering recognition and development opportunities that keep you inspired. Plus, with opportunities to grow and move across our network, your career can reach new heights wherever your journey takes you.
Mental
Loving Our People means looking out for one another, which is why we provide access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), supporting your mental well-being so you can be at your best, both at work and at home.
We're more than just a workplace—we’re a community that supports, celebrates, and grows together. Join us, and let’s make every moment memorable.
Already working at Star Group?
Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.