Sous Chef

Rosewood Hotel Group; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff perks programme

Job summary

Rosewood Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown, NZ, is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our luxury kitchen team. This is a hands-on leadership role reporting to the Executive Chef, focused on delivering modern New Zealand cuisine using local ingredients.

You will guide and train junior chefs, optimize station operations, and uphold exceptional hygiene and quality. A strong team player with 3+ years of experience will thrive in this high-pressure, guest‑centric environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' relevant experience in professional kitchens.
• Relevant culinary qualifications.
• Knowledge of HACCP and health & safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adequate supplies at cooking stations.
• Train, develop and support junior chefs.
• Optimize cooking processes for speed and quality.
• Monitor dish quality at preparation and plating stages.
• Maintain exceptional hygiene practices.
• Manage kitchen team in absence of Executive Chef.
• Assist with recruitment and rostering; contribute to menu development.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Time management

Multitasking

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

We have an extremely rare opportunity for a talented Sous Chef to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a passionate team, in a luxury lodge, dedicated to providing the finest seasonal food using local ingredients. You will work with the best!

Bringing your own experience and flare to the role and work alongside an experienced team of talented chefs. Our cuisine is modern New Zealand and you will learn many of the preparations and techniques associated with this.

About Us

Spectacularly located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers luxury lodge accommodation in Queenstown and looks out to a mesmerizing panorama of the big three; The Remarkables, Cecil and Walter Peak. Just seven minutes from bustling Queenstown, this is an alpine, lakeside retreat, nestled in one of the world’s most strikingly beautiful landscapes. With clean lines in glass, stone and timber, Matakauri’s own take on luxury is understated and welcoming, embracing guests and championing the mountainscape. Voted as one of the top three lodges in New Zealand and Australia, Matakauri is your ultimate sanctuary after a day spent atop mountains, exploring vast fjords, chasing thrills and simply discovering this unique region.

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will have a pivotal leadership role in the Rosewood Matakauri Culinary team. This is a hands‑on position that will help support the Executive Chef and shape the culture of our kitchen team.

• Ensuring adequacy of supplies at cooking stations
• Training, developing and supporting junior chefs
• Optimising the cooking process with attention to speed and quality
• Monitoring quality of dishes at preparation and presentation stages
• Ensure exceptional hygiene practices are maintained
• Managing the kitchen team and standards in the alongside and in absence of the Executive Chef
• Support the Executive Chef with recruitment and rostering duties
• Creative input with menu development and dish presentation

About You

The successful candidate will be flexible, have a can do attitude, work well in a high pressure environment and want to push their career further. In addition, you will have -

• At least 3 years' relevant experience
• Relevant Culinary Qualificationsi
• Exceptional cooking techniques and meticulous processes
• An interest in actively seeking local produce
• Knowledge of H&S and hygiene standards
• The agility to think on your feet as we have many daily guest requests and menu changes
• Good time management, excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask
• Be a team player and be able to drive the team
• A hands‑on Chef who is involved with the daily operation and delivery of memorable experiences

What we offer

At Rosewood Matakauri we believe in fostering a culture of learning and development, providing you with the resources to thrive in your career.

We offer access to our Staff Perks Programme with a wide range of discounts and deals with our suppliers and partners.

This is a full time permanent role offering at least 30 hours per week. You may be expected to work up to a maximum of 60 hours per week in peak periods.