Sous Chef

About The Role - Te mahi

We are currently seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our team to produce creative and innovative gourmet dishes.

Our ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years experience in a similar role, have excellent all round cooking skills but and is keen to progress their career. We are looking for someone who genuinely cares about their career as a Chef and who enjoys being part of a team.

This full-time permanent role is based at Novotel Christchurch Airport.

Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa

• Assisting the Head Chef in overseeing all aspects of the kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation, while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Collaborating with the Head Chef to create innovative and enticing menus that reflect the hotel's culinary concept and meet the expectations of the 4.5-star clientele.
• Ensuring strict adherence to food safety and hygiene standards, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of ingredients, as well as maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment.
• Supervising and mentoring the kitchen staff, providing guidance, training, and support to foster a positive and productive work atmosphere.
• Managing the inventory of kitchen supplies, ordering ingredients, and coordinating with suppliers to maintain an adequate stock level while minimizing wastage.
• Assisting with controlling food costs by monitoring portion sizes, minimizing food wastage, and suggesting cost-effective ingredient alternatives without compromising quality.
• Conducting regular inspections to ensure that all dishes leaving the kitchen meet the hotel's standards in terms of taste, presentation, and overall quality.
• Overseeing plating and presentation to ensure they meet the expectations of our guests.
• Assisting in executing all kitchen service including regular restaurant service, room service as well as conferencing and events.
• Ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations in the kitchen, including fire safety, equipment maintenance, and staff training.
• Maintaining open and effective communication with other departments, such as front-of-house staff and management, to ensure smooth operations and exceptional guest satisfaction.

About you | Ko koe tēnei

• Previous experience working as a Sous Chef in a medium to large restaurant.
• Expert in product quality and presentation skills
• In-depth knowledge of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking techniques, portion control, and food safety standards.
• Strong leadership qualities, including the ability to inspire, mentor, and guide kitchen staff to achieve their best performance.
• Previous experience catering to large conferences and events.
• Experience working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and guest demands.
• A genuine passion for cooking and a commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences to guests.
• A dedicated and hardworking attitude, leading by example with a hands-on approach to kitchen operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety regulations, as well as food hygiene standards, ensuring strict compliance in all aspects of kitchen operations.
• Relevant culinary qualifications and certifications are preferred, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and development.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays, to meet the demands of the business.
• Candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand to be considered for the role.

He kura te tangata - We are all valued

As an employer of choice, we offer great employee benefits like life cover, outstanding health and wellbeing programs, and discounts on hotels, restaurants, bars and spas across our network -not just for you but in some cases your friends and family too

• Work for an Employer of Choice
• Meals on Duty
• Free parking at the airport
• A competitive salary as well as best in the industry long service perks and anniversary vouchers
• Leadership development and training on the job, online and through regular workshops/group events
• Fantastic hotel rates, and restaurant and spa discounts across our network.

Who We Are

Novotel Christchurch Airport is part of the Accor Hotels franchise and Hind Management Group (NZ Employer of Choice Novotel and Hind Management believe in empathy, understanding and accommodating differences. We believe that 'we are all valued' and our success is a direct reflection of our people, teamwork, passion and professionalism.

Our values are based on caring, working together, and doing the right thing. We are passionate about our people. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are proud to promote diversity and inclusion within our workplace and ensure an equitable selection process for all.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai

Hind Management is committed to accessibility, should you require assistance or support and are unable to apply online due to an access need, contact our office or email our Talent Acquisition Team at We will aim to respond within 48 hours Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are proud to promote diversity and inclusion within our workplace and ensure an equitable selection process for all. We offer a fully inclusive accessible hiring process, let us know how we can support you to present your best self.

Our Values

E MANAWANUI ANA MATOU - WE CARE

KA WHAI MATOU I TE TIKA - WE DO THE RIGHT THING

KA MAHI TAHI MATOU - WE WORK TOGETHER