Sous Chef

Hind Management; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing programme

Free meals on duty

Free parking near airport

Life Insurance

Staff, family and friends rates

Training & development

NZQA qualifications support

Job summary

Sudima Christchurch Airport, operated by Hind Management, is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to support the Head Chef and lead the kitchen team in line with our company values. You will contribute to menu planning, stock ordering, cooking and staff training.

This full-time role offers 40 hours per week, with a focus on delivering high-quality dishes across all outlets, including conferences, while actively managing costs and maintaining food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years' relevant experience in a medium to large restaurant.
• NZQF diploma preferred or equivalent qualifications.
• Strong leadership, communication and cost management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, prepare and produce recipes per Head Chef's standards.
• Organise kitchen operations for restaurant and room service on a daily basis.
• Present outstanding dishes across outlets and assist with conferences.
• Support and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff.
• Help manage costs and forecast profitability while maintaining standards.
• Maintain purchasing controls and stock levels per hotel procedures.
• Contribute to concept ideas and menu development.
• Ensure nutrition, sanitation and food safety compliance.
• Work on a 7-day rotating roster and start date as soon as possible.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Cost management

Kitchen processes

Conference & banqueting

NZ Health & Safety knowledge

Education

NZQF diploma

Certificate in Cookery Level 4

Job description

The Role | Te mahi

It's a great opportunity awaits a driven Sous Chef at Sudima Christchurch Airport.

This hands-on role as Sous Chef supports our Head Chef, oversees and manages the kitchen team in a way that is aligned with our Company Values. Bring your experience and creativity to ensure success in menu planning, stock ordering, cooking and team training.

This is a full-time job with guaranteed 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa

• Coordinate, prepare, and produce all recipes in line with cooking technique and presentation standards set out by the Head Chef
• Organise and work in the kitchen service operations for the restaurant and room service on a day to day basis so that they run efficiently and productively
• Prepare and present outstanding dishes in all outlets, including conferencing
• Encourage and support junior chefs and kitchen assistants
• Support the Head Chef in managing a busy kitchen and lead by example
• Be pro-active in controlling food and manning costs being fully aware of forecasted business and targeted profitability whilst maintaining standards.
• Maintain a sound knowledge of the hotel's procedures for purchasing of food stocks, the control of purchasing levels.
• Participate in the drafting of concept ideas and menus
• Comply with nutrition, sanitation and food safety standards
• Can work in 7-day rotating roster
• Can start as soon as possible

About you | Ko koe tēnei

We seek team members with a great attitude, in addition to that ,the following skills will see you succeed in this role. A minimum of two years' relevant experience is required. A qualification such as a Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) will be an advantage.

• 3 years proven experience as Chef in a medium to large restaurant
• NZQF diploma is preferred
• Expert in product quality and presentation skills
• Experience in conference and banqueting
• Pastry and hot kitchen experience required
• Outstanding communication and leadership skills
• A solid understanding of managing costs
• A solid understanding of MS office and rostering
• Understanding of current culinary trends and kitchen processes
• Working knowledge of NZ H&S legislation (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015)
• Candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand to be considered for the role

Benefits

As an employer of choice, we offer great employee benefits like life insurance, outstanding health and wellbeing programmes and discounts on hotels, restaurants, bars and spas across our network - not just for you, but in some cases your friends and family too!

• Wellbeing programme including Health insurance discounts
• Free meals on duty and free parking near the airport
• Free Life Insurance, Digital Will & Best Doctors teleservice after 3 months of employment
• Excellent reward & recognition events
• Long service and anniversary gifts and benefits
• Staff, family and friends rates within our network of hotels
• Paid training and individual Employee Development Plans
• Training towards NZQA qualifications and our very own online digital learning platform

Who We Are - Ko Wai Mātou

Here at Sudima Hotels, we have one passion, you! We care, we do the right thing and we work together. As a Sudima team member, you will demonstrate these values with your day-to-day actions, however great or small.

We believe 'We Are all Valued - He Kura te Tangata', and our success is a direct reflection of our people and our company culture. Awarded ‘Inclusive Workplace' at the 2026 Diversity Awards, our people love coming to work every day and we think you will too!

Hind Management, the company behind Sudima Hotels, operates award-winning hotels, restaurants, bars and spas across New Zealand. Manaakitanga is at the heart of everything we do, guiding our commitment to exceptional hospitality, sustainability, and caring for our people and planet.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!

At Hind Management, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including disabled and neurodivergent candidates. Should you require assistance or support and are unable to apply online due to an access need, contact our office ([phone] or email our Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail]. We will aim to respond within 48 hours Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

E manawanui ana tātou - We care

Ka mahi tahi tātou - We work together

Ka whai tātou i te tika - We do the right thing

He kura te tangata - We are all valued