HOST/FRONT OF HOUSE LEAD
RIVERSIDE KITCHEN
We’re looking for a natural host to join our small, passionate team at Riverside Kitchen, a cooking school and private event space tucked above the buzz of Riverside Market. This is a hands-on role where no two days are quite the same. You’ll be welcoming guests to cooking classes, private dinners, and corporate events, helping make each experience feel effortless and memorable.
About the role
You’ll be the friendly face of Riverside Kitchen, ensuring every guest feels at home from the moment they walk through the door. You’ll help set up events, lead the front-of-house team, support the chef during service, and make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
This role suits someone with a calm presence, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to hold a room with warmth and confidence.
Key responsibilities include
• Leading pre-event huddles and ensuring the team is prepared for each service
• Greeting and hosting guests throughout their visit
• Setting up and managing the bar and front-of-house areas
• Supporting chef with plating and finishing as required
• Maintaining cleanliness and presentation of the space
• Resetting the space after classes and corporate events
• Writing post-event reports and accurate shift records
• Creating occasional social content to showcase our classes and events
About you
You’ll bring energy, professionalism, and genuine hospitality to everything you do. You love making people feel special and thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
You’ll ideally have:
• Previous hospitality, leadership, or supervisory experience
• A current Manager’s Certificate (or ability to obtain one quickly)
• Excellent communication skills and a friendly, confident manner
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• The ability to follow instructions and work proactively in a team
• A genuine interest in food and fine dining service etiquette
• Availability for evening and weekend shifts
Experience with bar service, kitchen prep, or social media content creation is a bonus.
Why join Riverside Kitchen?
We’re a small, growing business that values creativity, teamwork, and professionalism. You’ll work in a beautiful light-filled space in the heart of Christchurch with guests who are here to enjoy themselves! Expect variety, support from experienced hospitality professionals, and opportunities to grow your skills in a fun, relaxed, and high-quality environment.
Details
• Pay range: $25–$28 per hour based on experience + 8% holiday pay
• Casual position with plenty of hours available over the holiday period
• Potential to move into a permanent role
• Must have the legal right to work in New Zealand
• Manager’s Certificate and First Aid renewals covered by the employer after 1 year
How to apply
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your CV and a brief cover letter to lauren@riversidekitchen.co.nz