Bessie - Sous Chef (Full-Time)

Cook Brothers Bars; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Industry leading training

Supportive team

Job summary

Cook Brothers Bars in Christchurch seeks a skilled chef to lead a high-end kitchen and set the standard for cooking excellence. This permanent full-time role focuses on consistent quality, cost control, and teamwork across the kitchen and front of house.

The successful candidate will have NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) or at least three years of relevant experience, strong leadership, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Energetic, flexible and hard working candidate.
• The ideal candidate will have a passion for food and providing experiences.
• Excellent communication skills and strong leadership in a high-end kitchen.
• At least three years of relevant experience or NZ Register Diploma.

Responsibilities

• Completing ordering and stocktaking to plan and manage food costs.
• Monitoring quality of dishes at all stages of preparation and presentation.
• Discussing food preparation issues with managers, kitchen and waiting staff.
• Demonstrating techniques and advising on cooking procedures.
• Preparing and cooking food to a consistently high standard.
• Understand the food control plan and cleaning standards in the kitchen.
• Ensure all food is prepped and portion controlled before service.
• Maintain clear communication between kitchen, front of house and head office.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Communication skills

Energy and enthusiasm

Experience in fast-paced kitchen

Education

NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

Job description

The Role

This is a permanent Full-Time position which requires you to set an example in the kitchen with your exemplary cooking skills, and maintaining the highest of standards.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Completing ordering and stocktaking to plan and manage food costs
• Monitoring quality of dishes at all stages of preparation and presentation
• Discussing food preparation issues with managers, kitchen and waiting staff
• Demonstrating techniques and advising on cooking procedures
• Preparing and cooking food to a consistently high standard
• Understanding the food control plan and understanding the cleaning standards and processes within the kitchen
• Ensure all food is prepped and portion controlled prior to service to ensure no food prep is required to be completed during service
• Ensuring clear communication between the kitchen, front of house and head office

This role will be an average of at least 30 hours per week with a maximum of 60 hours per week.

Skills / Experience

We are looking for an energetic, flexible and hard working candidate.

The ideal candidate will be someone with:

• A passion for food and providing experiences
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong leadership and culinary skills
• Energy and enthusiasm to share with your team
• Proven experience in a fast paced high end kitchen environment
• NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2); and/or at least three years of relevant experience

Our Story

We started in 2004, and we've been on an epic ride ever since. We have created some of New Zealand’s most beloved bars, restaurants and licensed burger joints, with outlets throughout the country which offer outstanding food and beverages delivered with warmth and hospitality. Bessie was recently acknowledge by making it into the michelin guide award; this is recopgnition of the hard work that has gone into making Bessie what it is today. Google us, have a beer with us, join us!

The Business

We wanted to bring the highest quality dining experience in a vibrant environment to Christchurch and we think we’ve done a pretty good job. Our approach to everything we do is centered around our customers from the moment they walk through the doors. Our specialty is our meat, but it doesn’t stop there. This is a dining experience like no other and we strive to ensure this is one to remember.

In return for your dedication and commitment, we offer:

• Competitive pay of $32 - $38 per hour
• Industry leading training - we invest time into you and your professional development
• A supportive and encouraging team

Applications close 30th August 2026

Check us out!

https://www.bessie.co.nz/

https://www.cookbrothersbars.co.nz/