Sous Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Free meals

Free parking

Life insurance

Staff discounts

Job summary

Sudima Christchurch Airport is seeking a driven Sous Chef to join our team in Christchurch. This hands-on leadership role works closely with the Head Chef to inspire and develop our kitchen team, with responsibilities spanning menu planning, stock management, food preparation, and staff development.

The role is full-time with a guaranteed 40 hours per week, offering an exciting step up for a chef ready to make their mark in a busy hotel environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' relevant experience in a kitchen.
• NZQF diploma preferred.
• Expert in product quality and presentation.
• Experience in conference and banqueting.
• Pastry and hot kitchen experience required.
• Outstanding communication and leadership skills.
• Solid understanding of managing costs.
• Understanding of current culinary trends and kitchen processes.
• Candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present high-quality dishes as directed by the Head Chef.
• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations across the restaurant, room service and conferencing.
• Deliver great food and memorable guest experiences across outlets.
• Coach and develop junior chefs and kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen with hands-on leadership.
• Manage food and labour costs while maintaining standards.
• Support stock management and purchasing to control costs.
• Contribute to menu development and new concepts.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and kitchen cleanliness.
• Be available across a 7-day rotating roster and start ASAP.

Skills

Chef experience

Leadership

Cost management

Communication

Education

NZQF diploma (preferred)

Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) advantageous

Tools

MS Office

Rostering software

Job description

The Role | Te mahi

A fantastic opportunity is waiting for a driven Sous Chef to join the team at Sudima Christchurch Airport.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will work closely with our Head Chef to lead and inspire the kitchen team. You will bring your experience, creativity and passion for food across menu planning, stock ordering, food preparation and developing our people, all while bringing our Company Values to life.

This is a full-time role with a guaranteed 40 hours per week, perfect for a chef ready to take the next step and make their mark.

Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa

• Prepare and present consistently high-quality dishes, following the standards and techniques set by the Head Chef
• Help lead the day-to-day kitchen operation across the restaurant, room service and conferencing, ensuring service runs smoothly and efficiently
• Take pride in delivering great food and memorable experiences for our guests across all outlets
• Support, coach and develop junior chefs and kitchen assistants, helping them grow their skills and confidence
• Work closely with the Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen, setting the standard through a hands on, lead by example approach
• Take a proactive approach to managing food and labour costs, balancing business needs and profitability while maintaining our high standards
• Support effective stock management and purchasing, ensuring food costs, quality and stock levels are well controlled
• Bring creativity and fresh thinking to menu development, concepts and new ideas
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, nutrition and kitchen cleanliness at all times
• Be available to work across a 7-day rotating roster
• Be available to 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.

He kura te tangata - We are all valued

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