Senior Sous Chef – Rātā | Queenstown

Rata; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tip share

Job summary

Rātā in Queenstown is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to work closely with the Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and oversee daily operations. This hands-on leadership role focuses on menu development, seasonal changes, and producing thoughtful, produce-driven dishes that reflect our surroundings.

You will collaborate with the Head Chef, Owner and Restaurant Manager, develop staff, maintain high standards of quality and hygiene, and help drive creativity and continuous improvement in a supportive,

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-end kitchen.
• Strong leadership, communication and team management skills.
• Deep appreciation for New Zealand ingredients and seasonal produce.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team alongside the Head Chef.
• Contribute to menus and seasonal changes with creative ideas.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and safety.
• Collaborate with local growers and suppliers for seasonal produce.
• Support kitchen systems, ordering, prep and daily operations.
• Foster creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Seasonal cooking

Team management

Food safety

Attention to detail

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

As Senior Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and oversee the day-to-day running of the kitchen. This is a hands‑on leadership role with significant responsibility across service, team development and the creative direction of our food. You will play an active role in menu development, seasonal changes, dish creation and the ongoing evolution of Rātā's offering, working closely with the Head Chef, Owner and Restaurant Manager to develop thoughtful, produce‑driven food that reflects our surroundings and our relationships with local suppliers.

Key responsibilities

• Work closely with the Head Chef to lead and develop the kitchen team
• Assist with the creative direction and development of menus and seasonal changes
• Contribute ideas, concepts and dishes to the ongoing evolution of Rātā's food
• Work closely with local growers, farmers and suppliers to make the most of seasonal produce
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, consistency and presentation
• Support kitchen systems, ordering, prep and daily operations
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness and organisation
• Help foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement

About you

• Minimum 3 years experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high‑end, quality‑driven kitchen
• Strong technical ability and a genuine passion for creative, produce‑driven cooking
• A deep appreciation for New Zealand ingredients, seasonality and connection to place
• Creative and curious, with the confidence to contribute ideas and develop dishes
• Strong leadership, communication and team management skills
• Able to inspire and develop a team while maintaining high standards
• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail
• Calm, focused and decisive under pressure
• A positive attitude and a genuine commitment to hospitality and teamwork
• Ambitious and motivated to continue developing both personally and professionally
• Competitive salary plus tip share
• A creative and collaborative kitchen environment
• The chance to work with exceptional seasonal produce and some of the South Island's best growers, farmers and suppliers
• A supportive, professional team culture

About us

Rātā is an established restaurant in the heart of Queenstown. Tucked between mountains and lakes, our food reflects the rhythm of the South. We work closely with local growers and farmers and often forage ourselves, letting nature guide what ends up on the plate. Each dish tells a story of place - thoughtful, expressive, and full of soul. Following the award of our MICHELIN Star, we are looking for a chef who is excited to help us continue evolving creatively, while maintaining the high standards, consistency and sense of place that define Rātā.