Sous Chef – Lead, Cook, Level Up

Our awesome Sous has just landed a Head Chef role he can’t refuse — and while we’re gutted to lose him, we’re stoked to see him level up. That means we’re on the hunt for a gun Sous Chef who’s ready to jump into a high-performing, system-driven kitchen and help us keep raising the bar.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you’ll be the Head Chef’s right hand — owning daily kitchen operations, leading the team, driving consistency, and stepping up confidently when the Head Chef is off shift.

What you’ll be doing

• Running smooth services with consistent, high-quality a la carte food (portion, taste, temp, presentation — every time).
• Leading from the front: organised, professional, calm under pressure.
• Coaching and lifting the team with clear expectations and follow-through.
• Owning prep lists, kitchen flow, cleanliness, and safe systems (FCP, hygiene, allergen awareness).
• Maintaining top-tier food hygiene standards — clean-as-you-go discipline, correct storage/labelling, temperature control, and tight compliance.
• Reducing waste and protecting margin — smart prep planning, portion control, stock rotation (FIFO), and keeping wastage tracking honest and useful.
• Keeping food cost and waste tight: ordering, stocktake accuracy, and accountability across the team.

What we need from you

• 10+ years’ experience in New Zealand a la carte hospitality (must be confident on the pass).
• Strong leadership style: respectful, accountable, solutions-focused.
• High standards and pride in systems — not a “she’ll be right” operator.
• Ability to step up and run the kitchen when required.

The perks

• Subsidised accommodation available
• Free gym access
• 50% staff discount
• Ongoing coaching and development (we invest in good people)
• The Waitaki lifestyle: epic outdoors, proper community, and a workplace that still has a laugh while taking the job seriously.

Apply

Send your CV + a cover letter on why you’re the right fit (and when you can start). Referees ready to go is a bonus.

If you’re a solid operator who loves good food, tight standards, and a team that backs each other — we’d love to hear from you.

• Applicants must already be in New Zealand and hold current legal working rights (e.g., NZ citizen/resident or valid work visa).