Sous Chef - ESS Waiouru

Compass Group New Zealand; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on medical insurance

On-site facilities (gyms, pools)

Job security in essential services

Job summary

Compass Group New Zealand is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our team at Waiouru Military Camp in Ruapehu. This permanent full-time role blends hands-on cooking with leadership responsibilities, supporting NZ Defence Force personnel.

Working alongside the Head Chef, you will contribute to day-to-day operations in a busy, high-volume kitchen, delivering quality meals and exceptional service. The role offers wider leadership opportunities, including stock management and rostering, within

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef role.
• Strong bulk cooking or high-volume catering experience.
• Sound knowledge of food safety practices.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment.
• Supervisory experience with rostering and ordering preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals for large groups.
• Support the day-to-day operation of a high-volume kitchen.
• Supervise kitchen team members, including weekend operations.
• Maintain high food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and inventory processes.
• Support rostering and team coordination activities.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef on menu planning and bulk catering operations.
• Ensure consistently high food quality and service standards.

Skills

Bulk cooking

Leadership

Food safety

Roster management

Time management

High-volume catering

Tools

Safe Food Pro

Job description

• Lead and inspire a dedicated kitchen team supporting New Zealand Defence Force personnel.
• Enjoy a varied role with responsibility across food production, stock control, rostering, and team leadership.
• Grow your culinary career with New Zealand's largest food and support services provider.

We are looking for an experienced Sous Chef to join our team at Waiouru Military Camp in Ruapehu. This is a Permanent Full-Time opportunity offering an exciting blend of hands‑on cooking and leadership responsibilities.

Working alongside the Head Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the day‑to‑day operation of a busy, high‑volume kitchen, delivering quality meals and exceptional service to New Zealand Defence Force personnel. Beyond regular chef responsibilities, this role offers wider leadership opportunities, including team supervision, stock management, food safety compliance, and operational support.

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals for large groups.
• Support the day‑to‑day operation of a high‑volume kitchen.
• Supervise kitchen team members, including weekend operations.
• Maintain high food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and inventory processes.
• Support rostering and team coordination activities.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef on menu planning and bulk catering operations.
• Ensure consistently high food quality and service standards.
• Previous experience in a Sous Chef, Senior Chef, or similar role.
• Strong bulk cooking or high‑volume catering experience.
• A positive, can‑do attitude and strong work ethic.
• Supervisory experience, with exposure to rostering and ordering processes preferred.
• Sound knowledge of food safety practices and Safe Food Pro.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to lead by example and perform well in a fast‑paced environment.

Supportive Environment: Your health, safety and wellbeing are our number one priority, with EAP services available for additional support.

Training and development to support your culinary leadership career

Discounts on medical insurance, banking, hotels, retail and more

Job security within an essential service organisation

• Location‑Based Amenities: Access to on‑site facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, varies by work location.

Mo matou / About us:

• We are New Zealand's leading and largest food and support services provider across multiple industries.
• Our sub‑brands, Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, ESS and Rapport manage these industry sectors.
• We specialise in turning ordinary acts of service into extraordinary experiential moments for our clients. With innovative and talented teams across New Zealand, we transform experiences from being GOOD to GREAT.
• Our people are awesome, they breathe life into our brands and make great things happen!
• Our strength comes from the combination of the things we have in common - our shared values, vision, and purpose and to make our commitment unique for you - RESPECT, GROWTH, and TEAMWORK are the founding pillars of these commitments.
• We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our customers, suppliers, and colleagues. We also prioritise sustainability in everything we do, ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Successful candidates must pass defence security clearance and pre-employment checks.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.