Head Chef / Lecturer

Position Overview

Le Cordon Bleu International in Wellington, New Zealand is seeking an experienced Head Chef/Lecturer to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality culinary education with a focus on French classical cuisine, ensuring academic excellence, and fostering industry relationships.

Main Tasks

• Academic Quality: Develop and deliver comprehensive courses and supporting materials aligned with established curricula and high academic standards. Adhere strictly to quality management systems.
• Educational Performance: Professionally teach courses using a range of flexible, effective delivery methods tailored to diverse learners. Maintain professionalism, incorporate cultural and scientific culinary principles, and ensure timely and accurate student assessments and reporting. Monitor student progress and collaborate with pastoral care and management for students at risk.
• Quality Management Systems: Ensure efficient and quality delivery of culinary programs through management of teaching quality, support, and administrative resources. Collaborate with the Technical Director on examinations and grading systems to uphold educational standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Assist the Technical Director in fostering positive, productive relationships with relevant industry, professional, and community stakeholders.
• Professional Development: Commit to ongoing self-improvement in both culinary and teaching capabilities. Participate actively in internal development activities, including performance evaluations and training.
• Innovation: Collaborate with team members to develop new projects, alternative teaching methods, and customized materials suitable for various learning contexts including industry training. Integrate new technologies into teaching and suggest curriculum adaptations to the Technical Director.
• Administration: Utilize and operate existing institutional systems and resources efficiently. Support organizational functions as needed and represent the team when appropriate.
• External Liaison: Engage in promotional activities, public relations, and represent Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand internationally.
• Health and Safety: Clearly communicate health and safety protocols within the kitchen environment and ensure compliance by both staff and students.
• Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Head of School and Technical Director. Demonstrate flexibility and support for team members in pursuit of successful student outcomes.

Candidate Qualifications

• At least 20 years of global professional chef experience, including a period working in France within professional culinary settings.
• Strong formal culinary education specializing in French/Classical cuisine.
• Experience in Head Chef or comparable senior culinary roles within the last 15 years.
• Leadership experience in hospitality at an international level is highly advantageous.
• Recognized credibility and reputation in culinary arts and/or educational sectors.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to effectively engage with culturally diverse individuals and groups.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a motivated, professional team, utilizing analytical and innovative problem-solving approaches.
• Strong time management capabilities with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience in course development is considered an asset.