Description
Summary:
Join a passionate, small kitchen team as a skilled Sous Chef in a stunning vineyard, contributing creative input and taking ownership of quality and consistency for intimate dining experiences.
Highlights:
1. Work in a beautiful, scenic venue with creative input
2. Supportive, small kitchen team in a high-quality environment
3. Opportunity to cover for Head Chef and gain leadership experience
* Work in a beautiful, scenic venue + Hands-on role with creative input
* Daytime hours, Wednesday-Sunday + Supportive, small kitchen team
* Opportunity to cover for Head Chef and gain leadership experience
Sous Chef - 7-Month Contract
We're looking for a motivated and skilled Sous Chef to join a small, passionate kitchen team. The role is set in a stunning Central Otago vineyard location, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a relaxed, inspiring environment. The venue is known for its elegant, intimate dining experiences, offering a close-knit team the chance to work in a beautifully maintained, high-quality kitchen. This is a rare opportunity to combine hands-on culinary work with the energy of a picturesque, award-winning setting.
The Role:
* Support the head chef in running the kitchen during lunch service (Wednesday-Sunday)
* Daytime hours, with prep starting 11:00-11:30 and service from 11:30-3:00, last sitting no later than 3:30
* Handle small, focused lunch services, typically around 30 covers per service, with set menus over 8 dishes
* Work closely with a team of 3 (including a chef, sous, and kitchen hand)
* Take ownership of quality, consistency, and smooth service, especially during peak times
* Ad-hoc events may arise; flexibility to assist when needed
* Fill in for the head chef for a couple of weeks at the end of November
Requirements:
* Proven experience as a sous chef or similar kitchen leadership role
* Ability to operate in a small, high-quality, detail-focused kitchen
* Strong prep, timing, and team coordination skills
* Passion for delivering excellent food for small groups
* Availability to start asap or within 2 -4 weeks
Details:
* Contract: 7 months
* Days: Wednesday-Sunday
* Hours: Daytime; prep before service
* Rate: $34-$38 per hour depending on experience
This is a fantastic opportunity for a candidate who thrives in a hands-on role and wants to step up in a small, quality-driven kitchen environment.