Sous Chef

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

Job summary

Emerson’s in Dunedin is seeking a Sous Chef to be the right hand of the Head Chef, guiding a talented team in a fast‑paced, produce‑driven kitchen. You’ll mentor staff, craft seasonal menus with local ingredients, and ensure every dish leaving the line is top‑notch.

This full‑time role offers minimum guaranteed hours of 35 per week and pays NZD 30.00–32.00 per hour, depending on experience. Join a passionate team dedicated to quality in a family‑owned, BIG company culture.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Produce-driven kitchen

Menu development

Team mentoring

High‑pressure

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

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.

If you need specific support or accessibility adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know at ***************@lionco.com 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.