Junior Sous Chef

Rosewood Matakauri; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 78,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff Perks Programme

Job summary

Rosewood Matakauri is seeking a hands-on kitchen professional to support leadership and deliver memorable dining experiences in a luxury setting. You will mentor junior chefs, ensure each service is ready, and help optimise stock, quality, and presentation across all sections.

The role requires a minimum of 3 years in top-tier restaurants or luxury hotels, a strong eye for detail, and a proactive, team-oriented approach to maintain excellent H&S standards and local produce focus.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years' relevant experience in high end restaurants or luxury hotels.
• Exceptional cooking techniques and meticulous processes.
• Interest in actively seeking local produce.
• Hygiene and health and safety knowledge.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure.
• Strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring all sections are prepared and service-ready
• Training, developing and supporting junior chefs
• Assisting with stock control, ordering and minimising food wastage
• Optimising kitchen operations with a focus on quality and efficiency
• Monitoring the quality and presentation of dishes
• Maintaining exceptional food safety and hygiene standards
• Contributing to menu development and showcasing the best local produce
• Delivering memorable dining experiences, including accommodating guest dietary requirements and special requests.

Skills

Leadership

Cooking techniques

Hygiene standards

Job description

Reporting to the Head Chef and Sous Chef, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of our kitchen. This is a hands‑on position that supports kitchen leadership while helping foster a positive and high-performing team culture.

• Ensuring all sections are prepared and service-ready
• Training, developing and supporting junior chefs
• Assisting with stock control, ordering and minimising food wastage
• Optimising kitchen operations with a focus on quality and efficiency
• Monitoring the quality and presentation of dishes
• Maintaining exceptional food safety and hygiene standards
• Contributing to menu development and showcasing the best local produce
• Delivering memorable dining experiences, including accommodating guest dietary requirements and special requests.

What you will bring:

The successful candidate will be flexible, have a can do attitude, work well in a high pressure environment and want to push their career further. In addition, you will have:

• At least 3 years' relevant experience, in high end restaurants and / or luxury hotels.
• Exceptional cooking techniques and meticulous processes
• An interest in actively seeking local produce
• Strong knowledge of H&S and hygiene standards
• The agility to think on your feet as we have many daily guest requests and menu changes
• Good time management, excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask
• Be a team player and be able to drive the team
• A hands-on Chef who is involved with the daily operation and delivery of memorable experiences

What we offer:

At Rosewood Matakauri we believe in fostering a culture of learning and development, providing you with the resources to thrive in your career.

We offer access to our Staff Perks Programme with a wide range of discounts and deals with our suppliers and partners.

This is a full time (45 hours over 5 days per week) permanent role, offering a competitive salary of $78,000 to $82,000 per annum. Any additional days of the week worked can be accrued an ‘owed time’ as per our policy.