Senior Sous Chef

Amisfield; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Healthcare cover

Staff discounts

Wellbeing support

Free staff meals

Job summary

Amisfield in Central Otago, New Zealand, is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join our Michelin-starred kitchen leadership team. You will own service, uphold standards, and guide the team through busy periods with calm precision.

You will lead by example, manage food and labour costs, assist with menu development and R&D, and collaborate closely with Front of House to deliver an exceptional guest experience. The role offers a full-time permanent position, weekend and holiday shifts may be required,

Qualifications

• Has minimum 3 years relevant experience in a senior chef or sous chef role.
• Experience in Michelin Star or 2-3 Hatted restaurants is preferred.
• Strong technical cooking skills and attention to detail.
• Organised, calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions during busy service.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kitchen team across day-to-day operations and service.
• Run service when required, ensuring consistency and precision.
• Oversee food preparation, mise en place, presentation, portion control and quality.
• Ensure guest dietary requirements and allergies are accurately managed.
• Support Head Chef with menu development, recipe testing and R&D.
• Assist with recruitment, training, rostering, delegation and performance management.
• Monitor food quality, wastage, stock usage and kitchen costs.
• Track food and labour costs within budgets and identify variances.
• Maintain stock management, ordering, stocktakes and supplier relationships.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen organisation.
• Collaborate with Front of House to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Menu development

Food costs

Stock management

Recruitment & training

Service leadership

Quality control

Communication

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

Join the newly awarded Michelin star team at Amisfield, an enchanting world where vineyard and restaurant unite in taste and terrior. Nestled amidst the breath-taking landscapes of Central Otago, New Zealand, Amisfield is not just a place – it's an experience. As pioneers in sustainable winemaking, our commitment to organic practices and preserving the land runs deep in every vine and dish we craft.

Our kitchen is driven by a strong connection to our region, exceptional produce, thoughtful cooking, and a commitment to delivering an outstanding experience for every guest. We focus on embodying the flavours of Central Otago in an innovative and modern way.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Sous Chef to join our kitchen leadership team and work closely with our Head Chef.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership position within the Amisfield kitchen. You will play an important role in the day-to-day operation and performance of the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef taking ownership of service, kitchen standards, team performance, and operational efficiency.

You will be expected to lead by example, maintain high culinary standards, and contribute positively to the development of our team, dishes, and overall kitchen operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kitchen team across day-to-day operations and service.
• Run service when required, ensuring food is delivered with consistency, precision, and attention to detail.
• Oversee food preparation, mise en place, presentation, portion control, and quality across kitchen sections.
• Ensure guest dietary requirements and allergies are accurately managed.
• Support the Head Chef with menu development, recipe creation, testing, and R&D.
• Assist with recruitment, training, development, rostering, delegation, and performance management of the kitchen team.
• Monitor food quality, wastage, stock usage, and kitchen costs.
• Monitor and track food COGS and kitchen labour COGS, working within agreed budgets and identifying variances or areas requiring attention.
• Support effective stock management, ordering, stocktakes, and supplier relationships.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen organisation.
• Work closely with the Front of House team to ensure clear communication and an exceptional guest experience.
• Represent Amisfield with professionalism, integrity, and pride.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has minimum 3 years relevant experience in a senior chef or sous chef role, preferably in a Michelin Star or 2-3 Hatted restaurant.
• Has strong technical cooking skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Is confident leading a kitchen team and running service.
• Has a strong understanding of kitchen operations, food costs, labour costs, stock management, and quality control.
• Is organised, calm under pressure, and able to make sound decisions during busy service.
• Has a genuine interest in food, produce, menu development, and continuous improvement.
• Communicates clearly and works collaboratively with both kitchen and Front of House teams.
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards and developing those around them.
• A culinary qualification from a reputable culinary school is desirable but not essential if have equivalent relevant experience.
• Has the right to work in New Zealand, or is eligible to obtain the appropriate work visa.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work within one of New Zealand's leading restaurant and wine businesses.
• A professional and supportive kitchen environment with a strong focus on quality and development.
• The opportunity to work closely with an experienced culinary leadership team.
• Opportunities to contribute to menu development and R&D.

Successful candidates will be offered competitive remuneration, great working hours and the opportunity to progress in their career. The role is full-time permanent, with a minimum of 30 hours guaranteed per week, with flexibility to work rostered shifts, including weekends and public holidays.

And there’s a barrel of additional benefits to working as part of this team – you won’t be fighting the traffic, there’s free parking on-site, healthcare cover, staff discounts on our products and services, wellbeing support, and free staff meals.

Position available from late September.