Ski-Resort Sous Chef — Lead Kitchen & Ngā Tohu

Mt Ruapehu; Waikato; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary season pass for skiing /

Day pass discounts for friends and fam

Discounts on food & beverage and store

Guaranteed base hours

Discounts at on-mountain medicalcentre

Job summary

Mt Ruapehu's Whakapapa ski area is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to lead day-to-day kitchen operations and inspire a team across our premium Ngā Tohu dining experiences. You’ll manage food preparation, ensure quality and timely service, and help develop menus while maintaining high standards.

You will work closely with the Head Chef, drive kitchen performance, coach staff, and support operations across winter and summer offerings on the mountain.

Qualifications

• Level 4 NZ Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery) or similar international qualification
• Minimum of 3 years in a professional kitchen leading chefs in some capacity
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices associated with safe food handling
• Ability to lead a team and motivate others
• Exceptional communication skills
• Previous experience training and assisting new cooks/chefs

Responsibilities

• Leading kitchen service and coordinating food preparation to ensure meals are delivered safely, on time, and to a consistently high standard.
• Maintaining food quality, presentation, portion control and consistency across our varied menus and dining outlets.
• Supporting menu development, recipe testing and refinement, with a particular focus on Ngā Tohu.
• Managing preparation priorities, stock availability and ordering within agreed limits, while minimising food waste.
• Completing stocktakes and required kitchen and food safety records accurately and on time.
• Providing direction, coaching and practical support to chefs, cooks, and seasonal team members.
• Making day-to-day operational decisions, resolving service challenges, and escalating issues when required.
• Supporting the Head Chef with kitchen operations and providing cover during days off and periods of leave.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety

Communication

Training cooks

Menu development

Education

Level 4 NZ Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery)

Job description

Mt Ruapehu's Whakapapa ski area is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to lead day-to-day kitchen operations and inspire a team across our premium Ngā Tohu dining experiences. You’ll manage food preparation, ensure quality and timely service, and help develop menus while maintaining high standards.

You will work closely with the Head Chef, drive kitchen performance, coach staff, and support operations across winter and summer offerings on the mountain.