Sous Chef – Permanent
Do you have a passion for great food and the ability to lead and inspire a kitchen team? From serving up crowd favourites on the mountain to creating memorable dining experiences at Ngā Tohu, our premium restaurant at 2,020m, our chefs take pride in delivering quality food for every guest, whatever the season. With a variety of dining options, we have a need for a Sous Chef that can be flexible in their menu design and the type of food that is being served each day. This is no easy task and requires someone who can think on their feet and motivate others to create dishes that will entice our guests to come back for more.
The Whakapapa whānau are a small but ambitious team, running year-round operations on the northern slopes of Mt Ruapehu. In winter, from June until October, this includes a world-class ski area. In summer, from November until April, this includes our summer sightseeing operation, heroing our iconic Sky Waka gondola. Each year we welcome hundreds of thousands of manuhiri (guests) to Whakapapa, many with life-long connections to the maunga (mountain) and surrounding region, some even third or fourth generation.
About the role
Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll help lead day-to-day kitchen operations, oversee food preparation and service, and take responsibility for your allocated outlet or shift. You'll also support the delivery of our premium Ngā Tohu dining experience while helping maintain consistent standards across our wider food and beverage operation. Ensuring quality standards are maintained with respect to food presentation, cooked properly and delivered on time.
Your responsibilities will include:
Leading kitchen service and coordinating food preparation to ensure meals are delivered safely, on time, and to a consistently high standard.
Maintaining food quality, presentation, portion control and consistency across our varied menus and dining outlets.
Supporting menu development, recipe testing and refinement, with a particular focus on Ngā Tohu.
Managing preparation priorities, stock availability and ordering within agreed limits, while minimising food waste.
Completing stocktakes and required kitchen and food safety records accurately and on time.
Providing direction, coaching and practical support to chefs, cooks, and seasonal team members.
Making day-to-day operational decisions, resolving service challenges, and escalating issues when required.
Supporting the Head Chef with kitchen operations and providing cover during days off and periods of leave.
Your Skills and Experience
Along with your commitment to exceptional guest service, skills and experience a successful candidate will have are:
Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery) or similar international qualification
Minimum of 3 years in a professional kitchen leading chefs in some capacity
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices associated with safe food handling
Ability to lead a team and motivate others
Exceptional communication skills
Previous experience training and assisting new cooks/chefs
What we offer
Gear up for the ultimate work adventure at Whakapapa. Joining Whakapapa unlocks a number of perks:
A complimentary season pass for skiing and / or snowboarding, and access to day pass discounts for friends and family
Free beginner and intermediate group lessons. Don't have equipment? You'll receive discounts on that too
Exclusive food and beverage, and retail discounts, for use in Whakapapa's cafes and store
Guaranteed base hours for all full-time and part-time staff
Priority access and discounts to our on-mountain medical centre services
Your Whakapapa whānau experience is not just a job: you will build lifelong memories and experiences in one of the most beautiful and culturally significant places on earth!
Location: Whakapapa Ski Area, Mt Ruapehu
Employment: Permanent, full-time
Minimum guaranteed hours: 30 hours per week
Remuneration: $30-33 per hour, depending on skills and experience
Apply now
To find out more information about Whakapapa or to apply now, go to our website https://www.whakapapa.com/work-for-us
If you have any questions regarding this role or other opportunities, please reach out to [email protected]