Group Chef
This role is for someone who thrives on helping teams succeed, solving problems, and keeping hospitality humming.
Are you someone with a sharp eye for detail, a strategic mindset, and a genuine passion for building high-performing kitchen teams and standout food experiences? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, multi-site environment where collaboration, innovation, and back of house operational excellence come together? If so, this role could be for you.
Welcome to Star Group – a hospitality powerhouse and home to some of Aotearoa’s most iconic bars, pubs, and venues. We believe in the power of connection: with our people, our teams, and our guests. As we continue to grow nationally, we’re searching for a Group Chef to lead the charge across our culinary network.
About the Role
As a Group Chef, you’ll play a pivotal role in overseeing and uplifting the performance of a portfolio of kitchens across the Star Group network. Reporting to the Head of Culinary, you’ll operate at both a strategic and hands-on level, driving culinary excellence, financial performance, and strong people outcomes in line with our business objectives.
Lead and support a portfolio of kitchens to achieve food, labour, and consumer KPIs
Drive menu development, innovation, and seasonal execution, ensuring quality, consistency, and commercial outcomes
Support and develop Head Chefs and BOH teams through coaching, training, and capability building
Champion food safety, hygiene standards, and compliance across all kitchens
Contribute to strategic initiatives including new venue openings, process improvements, and culinary projects
About You
We’re after someone who’s:
A natural leader – Structured, organised, and able to set clear standards while inspiring excellence in others
A people-first operator – Collaborative, supportive, and passionate about developing strong, engaged kitchen teams
Analytical & strategic – Comfortable balancing creativity with financial discipline, cost control, and operational performance
Experienced and adaptable – Confident working across multiple sites, food styles, and stakeholder groups
Why Join Us?
At Star Group, you’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive team where your contribution genuinely makes an impact. You’ll have the opportunity to shape food direction across a diverse portfolio, work alongside passionate hospitality leaders, and grow with a business that’s continuing to expand nationally. Plus, there are a few perks along the way.
Opportunities like this don’t come up often — so don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of food at Star Group.
Applications close 16th January 2026
- Types of roles
- Leadership
- Role
- Group Chef
- Locations
- Star Group | Wellington
- Employment Type
- Full-time
Star Group | Wellington
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.