Sous Chef – Foundry & Events Kitchen

University of Canterbury Students' Association; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Foundry & Events Centre Kitchen at the University of Canterbury Students’ Association offers a full-time Sous Chef role. You’ll work with the Executive Chef to deliver high-quality dishes and maintain smooth kitchen operations, with shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends and some public holidays in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Required: 3+ years in a similar role and a Level 3/4 Hospitality qualification.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a similar role.
• Level 3 and 4 National Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery) or equivalent.
• Strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills.
• Reliable, motivated, and calm under pressure.
• Attention to detail with a genuine passion for great food.
• Flexible, enthusiastic, and team-focused.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations and team leadership.
• Prepare, cook, and present dishes to consistently high standards.
• Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and food control compliance.
• Check all dishes for quality, presentation, and temperature before service.
• Contribute creative ideas to menu planning and development.
• Manage stock levels, storage, and monthly stocktakes.
• Communicate effectively with front-of-house to ensure seamless service.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a positive kitchen culture.

Skills

Leadership

Organisation

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Education

Hospitality Cert L3/4

Job description

Sous Chef | Foundry & Events Centre Kitchen

Full-time | 40 hours per week | Variable days/shifts

The Foundry is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our energetic kitchen team. Working alongside the Executive Chef, you’ll help deliver high-quality food and ensure smooth, efficient kitchen operations. Flexibility is essential - shifts may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and some public holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations and team leadership.
• Prepare, cook, and present dishes to consistently high standards.
• Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and food control compliance.
• Check all dishes for quality, presentation, and temperature before service.
• Contribute creative ideas to menu planning and development.
• Manage stock levels, storage, and monthly stocktakes.
• Communicate effectively with front-of-house to ensure seamless service.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a positive kitchen culture.

About You

• 3+ years’ experience in a similar role.
• Level 3 and 4 National Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery) or equivalent.
• Strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills.
• Reliable, motivated, and calm under pressure.
• Attention to detail with a genuine passion for great food.
• Flexible, enthusiastic, and team-focused.

About UCSA

Nau Mai Ki Te Rōpū Akonga ō Te Whare Wānanga ō Waitaha

Welcome to The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA)

Established in 1894, the UCSA is a registered not-for-profit organisation that supports UC students to succeed and belong.

Our organisation is governed by an elected Student Executive, and we employ over 300 staff. Together, we dish up a range of student-focused services, including advocacy and welfare, representation, subsidised dental and optometry, early learning centres, club support, events, and media.

The UCSA commercial team manages several cafes and bars, as well as sizeable catering and events teams delivering services to students, staff, external customers and commercial partners.