CURRENT VACANCIES
At Riverstone Kitchen, we’re always on the lookout for passionate, dedicated individuals who share our love for exceptional food and hospitality. As an award-winning restaurant in the heart of North Canterbury, we pride ourselves on creating memorable dining experiences, using the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from our garden and local producers.
Whether you're an aspiring chef, an experienced kitchen professional, or a front-of-house expert, there’s a place for you at Riverstone Kitchen. We value creativity, teamwork, and a genuine passion for good food, and we’re committed to supporting our team’s growth and development. If you're ready to take the next step in your career and be part of something special, explore our current job opportunities below.
Join us in delivering exceptional food and creating lasting memories for our guests—apply today!
Immediate start available for the right candidates.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Operations Manager – Maternity Cover
Maternity cover – minimum 12 months, with possibility of longer
Flexible hours – part-time or full-time (Weekdays)
Riverstone Kitchen is looking for an organised, capable and enthusiastic Operations Manager to join our team for maternity cover for at least 12 months, with the possibility of the role continuing beyond this period.
This is a genuinely flexible role, and we're open to discussing part-time or full-time hours with the right person.
Working closely with owner Bevan Smith, you'll help keep the day-to-day business organised, compliant and running smoothly.
THE ROLE
Your responsibilities will include:
Staff administration, recruitment, onboarding and training records
Health & safety and food safety compliance
Maintaining compliance records, policies and documentation
Payroll and financial administration support
Supplier communication, ordering and logistics
Maintenance coordination and follow-up
Event planning and operational coordination
Customer and in-house communications
Website and social media updates where required
Supporting business projects and process improvements
Assisting the owner with administration and day-to-day follow-up
ABOUT YOU
We're looking for someone who is:
Highly organised and systems-focused
Reliable, trustworthy and discreet
A confident communicator
Able to manage multiple priorities and work independently
Adaptable and able to think on their feet
Comfortable learning new software and systems
Good with people and enjoys working as part of a team
Able to take instruction and follow things through
Operations, administration or team management experience is preferred.
Hospitality experience is helpful but not essential. Training will be provided.
WHAT WE OFFER
Flexible part-time or full-time hours
Minimum 12-month maternity cover with potential for longer-term employment
A close-knit team and supportive working environment
Comprehensive training and ongoing support
A varied role with plenty of responsibility
Work-life balance
The opportunity to work with an award-winning, highly regarded New Zealand restaurant
If you're organised, practical, enjoy variety and want to be part of a busy but supportive business, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply with your CV, cover letter and two recent employment references.
mail@riverstonekitchen.co.nz
Subject: Operations Manager Application
Applicants must have valid rights to work in New Zealand. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
CAREERS AT RIVERSTONE KITCHEN
Riverstone Kitchen is a vibrant and busy restaurant with a dedicated team, passionate about delivering a high-quality food and dining experience.
Situated in rural Otago, 15km north of Oamaru, Riverstone Kitchen creates its menu based around the seasonal produce sourced from its extensive kitchen gardens and local suppliers. Our food is simple, full of flavour and delivered with exceptional quality and care.
Everything is made on site, from scratch, including bread, pastry, ice cream, stocks, sauces, sausages, bacon – we do it all! We also breakdown all our lambs in house along with the occasional pig and beef cow. If you want variety in your workday – we have it.
Riverstone Kitchen is made possible by our people. Our focus is on creating a team environment that feels like family. We are all about having a work-life balance and we strive to create an exceptional hospitality experience for both customers and staff.
We are centrally located within the South Island, close to good beaches for surfing, lakes for fishing and the mountains for hunting, tramping, and skiing. So, if you are looking to create your own work-life balance, whilst still working for a busy high-end establishment, Riverstone Kitchen is the place for you.
If you want a career where you’ll be inspired to achieve success, see our job opportunities, and apply online.

