Chef

Job Advertisement – Chef (Korean Fried Chicken Specialist) Tuesdayponsonby Ltd – t/a My Fried Chicken Ponsonby Location: 130 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week Wage Rate: $24.00 – $30.00 per hour (depending on experience) Start Date: From August 2026 ________________________________________ About Us My Fried Chicken Ponsonby is a Korean-style fried chicken specialty restaurant located in the heart of Ponsonby, one of Auckland’s most vibrant and trend-driven dining precincts. Surrounded by boutique retail stores, cafés, bars, offices, and high-density residential developments, Ponsonby attracts a diverse customer base including local professionals, international visitors, students, and food enthusiasts seeking high-quality and authentic dining experiences. Our restaurant focuses on delivering authentic Korean-style fried chicken with signature flavours such as sweet soy garlic, spicy yangnyeom, honey butter, and extra-crispy boneless chicken. We combine traditional Korean cooking techniques with modern presentation and fast-paced hospitality service suited to the dynamic Ponsonby dining culture. Due to increasing demand for premium Korean comfort food within the Auckland central dining market, we are seeking an experienced Chef to join our growing kitchen team. ________________________________________ Position Summary We are seeking a skilled and motivated Chef who can lead kitchen operations and consistently deliver high-quality Korean fried chicken dishes that reflect both authenticity and creativity. This role requires hands-on experience in preparing Korean-style fried chicken using specialised techniques including marination, batter preparation, double-frying methods, sauce balancing, and temperature-controlled cooking processes. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining flavour consistency, presentation standards, operational efficiency, and food safety compliance in a busy takeaway and dine-in environment. ________________________________________ Key Responsibilities • Prepare and cook a variety of Korean-style fried chicken dishes including yangnyeom, soy garlic, honey butter, cheese tenders, and seasonal menu items • Develop and test new sauces, side dishes, and promotional menu items tailored to Ponsonby’s diverse and trend-conscious customer base • Maintain consistent standards in food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and hygiene • Supervise and train kitchen staff to ensure smooth daily kitchen operations • Monitor stock levels, manage ingredient ordering, and minimise food wastage • Coordinate with management regarding seasonal menu planning and operational improvements • Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and health & safety procedures • Maintain efficient kitchen workflow during busy service periods including evenings and weekends ________________________________________ Skills and Experience Required • Proven experience as a Chef in a commercial kitchen environment, ideally specialising in fried foods or Korean/Asian cuisine • Strong understanding of kitchen operations, food hygiene, and safety standards • Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced hospitality environment • Creativity and passion for flavour development and food presentation • Excellent time management, communication, and teamwork skills • Minimum 2 years of relevant chef experience, OR a Diploma in Cookery, OR a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline ________________________________________ Role Rationale (Why a Chef is Required) The Korean-style fried chicken served at My Fried Chicken Ponsonby requires specialised culinary skills and precise preparation techniques to achieve consistent quality. Each menu item involves careful flavour balancing, oil temperature management, sauce preparation, and timing control that directly impact customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Given Ponsonby’s highly competitive hospitality environment and strong customer expectations for premium international cuisine, the business requires a qualified Chef who can not only prepare dishes to a high standard but also oversee kitchen coordination, staff guidance, quality control, and menu innovation. This role is essential to maintaining the restaurant’s reputation, ensuring operational consistency during high-volume service periods, and supporting the long-term growth of the business within Auckland’s central dining market. ________________________________________ How to Apply If you are passionate about Korean cuisine and excited to be part of a growing kitchen that blends authenticity with innovation, please send your CV and a brief cover letter to: shaun@myfriedchicken.co.nz Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.