Sous Chef

Lion Pty Ltd; Dunedin; Hybrid; NZD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerson’s in Dunedin is seeking a dedicated Sous Chef to support the Head Chef and lead culinary excellence in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.

You’ll mentor a talented team, craft menus that celebrate seasonal, local ingredients, and ensure every dish leaving the pass meets top standards. This full-time role offers minimum 35 hours per week, with pay of $30.00–$32.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in a fast-paced, produce-driven kitchen.
• Proven leadership and collaboration skills.
• Expertise across all kitchen areas.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver high-quality dishes.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food safety

Menu development

Job description

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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!