Back to Vacancies
Hospitality & Tourism

Sous Chef

Onshore applicants only

Nelson, New Zealand
$30 - $35 per hour
Full-time
Permanent
Visa: Employer sponsored
Applicants: Onshore applicants only
Visa sponsorship

The Opportunity

Recruiters filling this Sous Chef vacancy near Nelson, New Zealand, will be looking for a chef who already thinks like a kitchen manager. The venue is a premium waterfront restaurant with a relaxed feel, and the successful person becomes the Head Chef's deputy, with real authority over the kitchen.

To stand out, line up your application with what the employer lists. Show menus you have written and costed to a gross profit target, budgets you have managed for food and wages, and teams you have recruited, trained and rostered.

The job is permanent, from 30 hours a week, and includes weekends and public holidays. Candidates must already hold New Zealand work rights; the business is an accredited employer that may be able to sponsor a work visa for the right person.

Keep your CV sharp and specific, naming your Level 5 diploma and every kitchen you have run, then create a tailored Nelson Sous Chef CV with Build AI CV.

Key Responsibilities

  • Co-lead daily service and prep with the Head Chef
  • Step up as kitchen lead when the Head Chef is absent
  • Write menus and specials and cost them for the target gross profit
  • Hire kitchen staff below management level, run training and rosters, and manage performance
  • Report kitchen results against budget for cost of goods, wages and gross profit
  • Place stock orders, manage suppliers and keep counts accurate and waste to a minimum
  • Own food safety, the Food Control Plan and documented kitchen procedures

Requirements & Eligibility

  • Level 5 National Diploma in Hospitality (Kitchen Management), plus a minimum of 3 years in kitchen management
  • Proven budgeting, costing, organisational and time management skills
  • Outstanding knowledge of food and beverage from local and international cuisines
  • IT and cloud-based software skills, covering email, Word and Excel
  • The right to work in New Zealand

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please follow these instructions carefully:

  • Send your CV to our team by email: Apply by email.
  • Ensure your CV includes all relevant professional information.
  • Subject Line: Please mention the position you are applying for (Sous Chef) in the email subject.
  • Include at least two professional work references on your CV.
  • Attach copies of your skills assessment and trade certificates if available.
  • Attach a clear copy of your passport.

Highly Recommended

We highly recommend creating a Talent Tabloid profile and sharing your profile link in your application.

Sharing your profile gives you more chances for selection and helps our team review your talent more effectively.

Posted on 15 October 2026
Share this role: