Our purpose is to be a global leader in maximising human potential. Our mission is to build talent and prepare a skilled future-fit workforce that drives personal, organisational, and industry success. The purpose and meaning of this role: The Cookery Tutor delivers high-quality culinary education that equips learners with practical cooking skills, food safety knowledge, and industry-relevant techniques. This role combines teaching, demonstration, assessment and learner support to create an inclusive, engaging, and safe learning environment that prepares learners for employment or further study in hospitality and food-related sectors.

Your key responsibilities: Teaching and Learning Delivery

• Plan, prepare and deliver practical and theory-based cookery sessions in line with curriculum and qualification standards.

• Design lesson plans, demonstrations, and learning resources that support diverse learning styles and promote hands-on skills development.

• Assess learner progress through formative and summative assessment, providing timely, constructive feedback and maintaining accurate records.

• Demonstrate industry-standard techniques, food preparation, cooking methods and presentation to model best practice.

• Adapt teaching approaches to meet individual learning needs and support learners with varied prior experience and abilities.

Key Performance Indicators:

• High learner satisfaction and engagement with practical sessions and course materials.

• Accurate and timely completion of assessment and reporting requirements.

• Measured improvement in learner competence and confidence in practical cookery skills.

Your key responsibilities: Health, Safety and Food Compliance

• Maintain a safe, hygienic and compliant kitchen environment by adhering to food safety, health & safety and sanitation policies.

• Train learners in safe food handling, allergen management, personal hygiene and correct use of equipment.

• Conduct risk assessments for practical activities and ensure equipment is used and stored safely.

• Report and record incidents, near misses or hazards in accordance with organisational procedures.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Consistent compliance with food safety and health & safety standards during sessions and assessments.

• Clear records of hygiene checks, equipment maintenance and incident reporting.

• Low incidence of accidents or safety breaches in the kitchen learning environment.

Your key responsibilities: Student Support and Professional Development

• Provide pastoral and practical support to learners, including guidance on progression routes, workplace readiness and wellbeing referrals where appropriate.

• Monitor attendance and engagement, and contribute to interventions to support learner retention and success.

• Keep up to date with industry trends, techniques and qualification requirements; participate in training and professional development.

• Collaborate with colleagues to share resources, standardise assessment practices and improve curriculum delivery.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Improved learner retention, completion and progression to employment or further training.

• Positive feedback from learners and colleagues regarding teaching quality and support.

• Demonstrable application of up-to-date industry practices in teaching and assessment.

Your key responsibilities: Operations, Events and Community Engagement

• Coordinate practical session logistics including equipment setup, ingredient ordering and kitchen maintenance within allocated budgets.

• Contribute to open days, demonstrations, catering events and external assessments as required.

• Engage with local employers, suppliers and industry partners to support work placement opportunities and keep curriculum relevant.

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, document local procedures and share best practice with other tutors and sites.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Efficient delivery of practical sessions with well-prepared resources and minimal disruption.

• Successful participation in events and positive stakeholder feedback from employers and partners.

• Operational improvements implemented that enhance teaching delivery or learner experience.

Other responsibilities:

• Support recruitment and promotional activities related to cookery courses and community outreach.

• Maintain equipment inventories, order consumables and ensure responsible use of resources.

• Adhere to organisational policies and contribute positively to team meetings and development activities.

• Undertake other duties as reasonably required to support the effective running of the learning site and programmes.

What we value:

At Skills, we are more than a team, we are a community. Our culture is built on our vital signs of Joy, Manaakitanga, Grow and Bold. We believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. We encourage curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning. We celebrate our successes together and support each other in challenges.

Our guiding whakatauki (proverb) encapsulates this ethos: 'Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro nōnā te ngahere, ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga nōnā te ao.' This translates to 'The bird that feasts upon the miro berry, the forest belongs to it; the bird that consumes knowledge, the (whole) world belongs to it.' We are committed to fostering an environment where knowledge is celebrated, the key to unlimited possibilities.

Experience and skills:

• Relevant culinary qualification (e.g., City & Guilds, NZQA, equivalent) or substantial industry experience in professional kitchens.

• Previous experience teaching, training or mentoring learners in a practical setting is desirable.

• Sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP principles and allergen management.

• Strong practical culinary skills across a range of cuisines, cooking techniques and presentation standards.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and motivate diverse learners.

• Organisational skills with the ability to plan sessions, manage resources and meet assessment deadlines.

• Proficient with basic digital tools for record-keeping, assessment and lesson preparation; willingness to learn new systems.

• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

What we offer:

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful education services that support learners and communities.

• Collaborative and supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and industry engagement.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Flexible working arrangements and an inclusive culture that values diversity.

Equality, diversity and inclusion:

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone is treated with respect, and where differences are valued and supported.

How to apply:

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant culinary and teaching experience and why you are interested in this role. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in interview stages that include practical demonstration, situational and behavioural discussions. Reasonable adjustments are available on request during the recruitment process.