Chef

Job Summary:

About Spark Arena:

Join the team at Spark Arena, Auckland’s premier 12,000-seat venue for sports and entertainment. Since 2007, we’ve hosted the world’s biggest names, delivering unforgettable experiences in a world-class performance space. As part of the Live Nation Group, we specialise in creating dynamic events that captivate audiences. Be part of our passionate team and make your mark in live entertainment!

About the role:

We're looking for a passionate and hands-on Chef to join the team at Spark Arena in Auckland. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to get in at the ground level as we reimagine our food and beverage offering across some of Auckland's most iconic event spaces.

The core of this role is our retail food operation, seven major outlets serving thousands of fans across show days and nights. You'll work closely with the Head of Catering to reimagine the retail offering from the ground up, shaping the food culture and maximising opportunity across all outlets including three newly redeveloped outlets. There's also opportunity to contribute to our corporate suite offering as the role evolves.

If you're a Chef who takes pride in their craft, thrives in high-volume environments, and gets excited by the idea of feeding thousands of fans on a show night, we want to hear from you. Apply now with your resume and a cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role.

What you’ll be doing: 

• Retail food execution: Lead the start-up and day-to-day kitchen operation across our retail outlets, reimagining the food offering and driving sales during high-volume, short-window event periods.
• Menu development: Design and cost retail menus in collaboration with the Head of Catering, including full menu specifications.
• Food safety and compliance: Develop and maintain Food Plans and kitchen compliance processes in line with food safety and workplace obligations.
• Supplier and cost management: Consult and negotiate with suppliers on food costs, manage the ordering process, and oversee quality control, stock rotation, and waste management.
• Event execution: Plan, prepare, and execute food operations across all ticketed (and non-ticketed) events in line with the show schedule, including VIP offerings and staff meals.
• Team coordination: Roster and manage casual kitchen staff, ensuring consistent quality and service delivery across your remit.

What you’ll bring:

• Industry experience: Minimum 5 years' experience in a fast-paced retail or corporate environment, ideally within an arena, stadium, or large-scale entertainment setting.
• Formal qualifications: A recognised Chef qualification and solid grounding in food safety and Health and Safety requirements.
• Hands-on approach: Someone who leads from the front, takes ownership, and isn't afraid to get stuck in on a big show night.
• Creative curiosity: A genuine interest in food, open to developing new ideas and collaborating on menu innovation.
• Organisational skills: Strong time management and the ability to plan and execute across multiple concurrent operations.
• People leadership: Experience managing staff, building a positive kitchen culture, and bringing out the best in a casual team.

The Benefits:

• A vibrant, music-focused workplace fostering creativity and collaboration.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A flexible approach to when and where you work, designed to support balance in all aspects of life.
• Access to concerts, events, and other entertainment perks.
• A diverse, equitable workplace where every voice matters.
• Comprehensive benefits, from volunteer days to wellness programs and mental health support.

Equal Opportunities: 

We are passionate and committed to our people and go beyond the rhetoric of diversity and inclusion. You will be working in an inclusive environment and be encouraged to bring your whole self to work. We will do all that we can to help you successfully balance your work and Homelife. As a growing business, we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with. It's talent that matters to us and we encourage applications from people irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status or caring responsibilities.

#LNAPAC #LI-TO1

Live Nation Entertainment will never request payment or equipment purchases as part of the hiring process. Recruiters will only contact candidates from official Live Nation or affiliated brand email domains.