Sous Chef

Kika; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job Token

Subsidised Gym Membership

Discount in Sister venues

Job summary

Kika WÁNAKA in Queenstown is seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to join our busy kitchen team. This hands-on role offers the chance to lead the day-to-day operations and work closely with the Head Chef.

You'll manage service, maintain high food quality and presentation, assist with menu development, oversee stock and ordering, and mentor junior chefs while upholding food safety standards. A strong team player who thrives under pressure will fit well.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or in a senior chef role.
• Confident running a busy kitchen and leading a team.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Passionate about cooking.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kitchen team during service.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Assist with menu development and creative ideas.
• Handle preparation, ordering and stock management.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards are maintained.
• Train and mentor junior chefs.
• Help manage kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
• Collaborate with the wider restaurant team.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Organisation

Pressure management

Cooking

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

SOUS CHEF - KIKA WÁNAKA

Kika is looking for a talented and motivated Sous Chef to join our kitchen team.

We're a busy, 2 Hat/1 Michelin Star restaurant known for delivering an elevated dining experience in a casual setting.

We're looking for a Sous Chef who is passionate about food, takes pride in their work and enjoys being part of a strong, supportive team. This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to be involved in the day-to-day running of the kitchen and help lead the team alongside our Head Chef.

The role

As Sous Chef, you'll work closely with the Head Chef to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and consistently. You'll be involved in:

• Leading and supporting the kitchen team during service
• Maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency
• Assisting with menu development and creative ideas
• Preparation, ordering and stock management
• Ensuring food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards are maintained
• Training and mentoring junior chefs
• Helping manage kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence

• Working collaboratively with the wider restaurant team

About you

We're looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience as a Sous Chef or in a senior chef role
• Is confident running a busy kitchen and leading a team
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills
• Is passionate about cooking
• Has high standards and takes pride in consistency and presentation
• Works well under pressure
• Is reliable, positive and a great team player
• Wants to contribute ideas and be part of developing the kitchen

What we offer

• Friendly and supportive work environment
• Job Token available for the right candidate (must be in New Zealand currently)
• Subsidised Gym Membership
• Discount in Sister venues

This is a full-time position with a minimum of 30 hours per week, immediate start.