Sous Chef

Rosewood Matakauri; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff Perks Programme

Job summary

Rosewood Matakauri on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is seeking a Sous Chef to lead the culinary team in a luxury lodge. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will help shape our modern New Zealand cuisine and mentor junior chefs.

This hands-on role demands high standards, local produce knowledge, strong hygiene practices, and the ability to manage daily guest requests and menu changes. We offer a full-time permanent position with 40–60 hour weeks, staff perks, and a collaborative, high-performance

Qualifications

• At least 3 years' relevant experience in a professional kitchen.
• Relevant culinary qualifications are required.
• Exceptional cooking techniques and meticulous processes are expected.
• An interest in actively seeking local produce is beneficial.
• Knowledge of health & safety and hygiene standards is essential.
• Ability to think on your feet with daily guest requests and menu changes.
• Good time management, communication skills and multitasking ability.
• Be a team player and capable of driving the kitchen team.
• Hands-on chef involved in daily operation and memorable experiences.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring adequacy of supplies at cooking stations
• Training, developing and supporting junior chefs
• Optimising the cooking process with 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 absence of the Executive Chef
• Support the Executive Chef with recruitment and rostering duties
• Creative input with menu development and dish presentation

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Menu development

Hygiene standards

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

Rosewood Matakauri – Queenstown, South Island

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! 2026 Michelin Selected for the Restaurant, The Dining Room, and Michelin Mindful Voice recognition for our Executive Chef.

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,Matakauriis your ultimate sanctuary after a day spent atop mountains, exploring vast fjords, chasing thrills and simply discovering this unique region. The only lodge in New Zealand with all three Michelin Awards.8

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 Qualifications
• 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 40 hours per week. You may be expected to work up to a maximum of 60 hours per week in peak periods.

If you wish to apply for this role and have the attributes above, we'd love to hear from you.