Sous Chef - Banquets

Hilton Hotels & Resorts; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals on duty

Employee discounts

Job summary

Hilton Auckland is seeking a Sous Chef - Banquets to lead the daily banquet kitchen operations for conferences, weddings, and special events on Princes Wharf.

You will develop and mentor a culinary team, uphold the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and safety, and collaborate with hospitality colleagues to enhance guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Sous Chef in hotel/banquet settings.
• Experience supervising kitchen teams in fast-paced banquet environments.
• Culinary qualification NZ-recognised or equivalent.
• Strong time management, prioritisation and problem-solving under pressure.
• Knowledge of food cost control, inventory and portion control.
• Familiar with HACCP, food safety and sanitation.
• Proven leadership and team development capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in international chain hotels preferred.
• Flexibility to work a rotating roster including weekends and public holidays.
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary team operations with hands-on coaching in the Banquets kitchen.
• Plan, organize, and execute daily banquet production for events.
• Develop seasonal menus and daily specials.
• Foster cross-department collaboration between Front of House and Back of House.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering, and scheduling.
• Maintain health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol handling compliance.

Skills

Team leadership

Banquets kitchen

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Culinary qualification (NZ recognised or equivalent)

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.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts – Auckland, North Island

Located on the vibrant Princes Wharf, Hilton Auckland offers stunning harbour views, 187 contemporary guest rooms, the award-winning FISH restaurant, the iconic Bellini Bar, and seven versatile meeting and event spaces.

About the role

Picture yourself brightening someone's day. When you join our team, that's exactly what you'll do. As Sous Chef - Banquets, you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for conferences, weddings, events, and special occasions at Hilton Auckland.

You’ll lead daily banquet kitchen operations, inspire and develop a talented culinary team, and ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and safety. Working closely with the Executive Chef and wider Food & Beverage team, you'll contribute to menu innovation, operational excellence, and a memorable guest experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional with strong leadership skills, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Here’s what you’ll do during a typical day:

• Lead culinary team operations: Provide hands‑on leadership and in‑the‑moment coaching to kitchen staff, with a focus on the Banquets kitchen team.
• Oversee production and service: Plan, organize, and execute daily banquet production based on event forecasts and function sheets, ensuring all food is prepared, presented, and served efficiently for meetings, conferences, weddings, and special events.
• Enhance menu offerings: Support the development and execution of seasonal menus, promotional features, and daily specials
• Promote cross‑department collaboration: Foster strong, positive relationships between Front of House and Back of House teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Provide administrative support: Assist with inventory management, ordering, and scheduling
• Uphold regulatory standards: Maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness regulations, ensuring the highest standards of guest and team member well‑being

What we are looking for

Minimum2 years' experience in a Sous Chef position, preferably within a hotel, resort, or large‑scale banquet environment.

Previous experience supervising kitchen teams in a fast‑paced culinary environment, preferably within banquet operations.

Relevant culinary qualification (NZ recognized or equivalent).

Strong time management, prioritisation, and problem‑solving skills under pressure.

Sound knowledge of food cost control, inventory management, and portion control.

Familiar with HACCP standards, food safety, and sanitation requirements.

Proven leadership and team development capabilities.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience in international chain hotels preferred.

Flexibility to work a rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand.

As a Hilton team member you can expect to receive:

Team member and Friends & Family discount on global Hilton room rates

Discounts of up to 25% on products and services in participating Hilton outlets

Access to Hilton University training, offering more than 2500 learning programs

Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Complimentary staff meals whilst on duty

Laundered dry cleaning services

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full‑service hotels and resorts to extended‑stay suites and mid‑priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day. And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!