Sous Chef

LION; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerson’s in Dunedin, part of Lion NZ, is seeking a Sous Chef with a passion for flavour to join our fast‑paced, produce‑driven kitchen. You’ll be the right hand to the Head Chef, mentor the team, and help create seasonal menus that showcase local ingredients.

This full‑time role offers minimum 35 hours per week, with hourly pay between NZD 30.00 and 32.00, depending on experience and skills, and a supportive environment that values growth and collaboration.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years in a fast-paced,produce-driven kitchen.
• Proven leadership and collaboration.
• Expertise across kitchen stations.
• Passion for flavour and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen with pride and precision.
• Support Head Chef in daily operations, training, and team growth.
• Create menus celebrating seasonal, local ingredients.
• Maintain highest standards of food quality and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen expertise

Menu planning

Staff training

Job description

Step into the kitchen at one of NZ’s most iconic breweries – Emerson’s – and bring your passion for food to life!

About Emerson’s

Since 1992, Emerson’s has been crafting world-class beverages like 1812 and Pilsner, building a reputation for excellence, creativity, and quality. We’re a small-but-mighty team where everyone supports each other, and being part of LION means you get the security and growth opportunities of a big company with the warmth and heart of a family‑owned business.

About The Role

As our Sous Chef, you’ll be the right-hand of our Head Chef, helping run the kitchen with pride and precision. You’ll mentor our talented team, get creative with seasonal, local ingredients, and make sure every dish leaving the kitchen is top‑notch. Fast-paced, high‑volume, produce‑driven – this is a place for someone who loves a challenge and thrives under pressure. This is a full-time role with minimum guaranteed hours of 35 per week, paying $30.00 – $32.00 per hour depending on experience and skills.

What We’re Looking For

• At least 3 years’ experience in a fast‑paced, produce‑driven, professional kitchen environment
• Proven leadership skills and a collaborative approach
• Expertise across all areas of the kitchen
• A sharp palate, a cool head under pressure, and a real passion for flavour

What You’ll Do

• Lead the kitchen with pride and precision
• Support the Head Chef in daily operations, training, and team growth
• Create menus that celebrate seasonal, local ingredients – think house‑cured meats, hand‑stretched dough, and more
• Keep food quality, safety, and consistency at the highest standard

Why You’ll Love It Here

You’ll be part of a motivated, fun, and passionate team. Your work will be seen and celebrated, and you’ll get to deliver unforgettable experiences – for both our customers and yourself!

We’re a certified B Corp, which means we care about people, planet and purpose—not just profit. We’re committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we celebrate the unique perspectives that help us grow and innovate. We intentionally embrace difference and cultivate belonging every day, whether through our investment in our Reconciliation journey through our Innovate RAP, our commitment to gender pay equity or providing progressive people policies.

Accessibility and Support

If you need specific support or accessibility adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know at [e-mail] so we can make sure that your recruitment process is fair and we enable you to shine. This includes tailored support for First Nations people, individuals with disabilities, those who are neurodivergent, and people who identify as transgender or gender diverse as we understand the unique challenges and concerns you may face.