Greetings from Zealong Tea Estate in the beautiful Waikato! Located just minutes from Hamilton's CBD, Zealong is New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate and a celebrated icon of the region, producing 100% organically certified, award-winning tea which are sold in many parts of the world. Recognized as a premier destination for tea, art, and hospitality, we attract visitors from all over the world. At Zealong, our dedicated and talented team consistently exceeds expectations, crafting innovative, world-class ideas and solutions that elevate our brand and products on a global scale. Our journey from just 130 tea cuttings to internationally acclaimed products is a testament to our incredible team! Now, we invite you to seize the opportunity to join us!
We are currently seeking a passionate and driven professional to helm a Senior Sous Chef role as a part of our talented kitchen team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a career-focused chef looking to broaden their skills in a diverse hospitality environment. Our venues offer a unique combination of restaurant service and a wide array of catered events – providing the perfect setting to grow your culinary career.
This is a permanent, full-time role with a guaranteed minimum of 30 hours per week, offering stability, variety, and an inspiring workplace culture.
What we’re looking for:
Our ideal candidate will bring:
Proven experience in a fast-paced, commercial kitchen environment
A background in European/Continental cuisine
Strong teamwork and communication skills
A genuine passion for food and high standards of presentation
Meticulous attention to cleanliness and kitchen hygiene
Flexibility to work weekdays, weekends, and a mix of day or evening shifts
Experience with savoury dishes is essential; pastry knowledge is a plus
Key Responsibilities:
Consistently cook to a high standard
Prepare for service efficiently and perform all assigned duties with care
Maintain a clean, well-organised workstation and uphold strict hygiene standards
Assist in food preparation including savoury dishes, salads, and desserts
Pack and present food for both in-house dining and catered events
Collaborate on menu planning, cost estimation, and inventory management
Monitor quality at every stage of preparation and presentation
Communicate effectively with the kitchen team, and front-of-house staff
Adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations at all times
Why Work With Us?
You’ll be joining a team of passionate professionals who thrive in a high-energy environment. We pride ourselves on:
A supportive and collaborative team culture
Opportunities to learn from award-winning chefs
A dynamic workplace that keeps things exciting – no two days are the same
A balance of hard work, creativity, and good humour
If you're a dedicated chef with a desire to grow, learn, and contribute to a great team – we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, this is what we would like you to do:
Provide a Cover Letter specifying why you think you are the right candidate for the role
Provide a CV in PDF format
Please apply via this platform.
Please note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.