Sous Chef

About the role

Crowne Plaza Christchurch sits in central Christchurch, directly across from Victoria Square and within easy walking distance of the Avon River, Town Hall, Art Gallery, Te Pae Conference Centre, and nearby dining and shopping destinations. The hotel’s kitchen is a key part of the property, and this role offers the chance to join that team as a Sous Chef.

This position suits a creative, commercially minded culinary leader who wants to contribute to a high-volume operation and help shape fresh, competitive dining experiences. It is an opportunity to influence the direction of premium food service and bring new ideas to life.

What you will be doing

• Take charge of kitchen service when needed, keeping operations running efficiently and making day-to-day decisions when senior leaders are unavailable.
• Oversee all stages of food production, including preparation, cooking, plating, and quality checks, so that dishes are consistent in taste, presentation, and portion size.
• Build team capability through hands-on coaching, training, and mentoring while encouraging professionalism, accountability, respect, and ongoing improvement.
• Handle kitchen controls such as inventory, purchasing, labour use, portion control, and waste reduction to help meet food cost goals.
• Support food hygiene, cleanliness, and workplace safety by ensuring compliance with food safety rules, sanitation standards, and health and safety policies, including HACCAP requirements.
• Work with the executive chef on new dishes and specials, adapt to dietary needs, and help create memorable guest dining experiences.

What we are looking for

• A practical, people-focused leader who can guide, encourage, and develop the team toward shared goals.
• At least 5 years of experience in a professional kitchen, including 2 or more years as a Chef de Partie or Sous Chef; hotel kitchen experience is an advantage.
• Strong planning, organisation, and time-management skills, with the ability to stay consistent under pressure.
• Clear communication skills and the confidence to work independently with a positive attitude.
• Strong culinary ability and genuine enthusiasm for food.
• Availability for a rotating 7-day schedule that includes mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Right to live and work in New Zealand.

Benefits

• Paid birthday leave.
• Daily laundered uniform.
• Additional parental leave support.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Proactive health days.
• Access to ongoing development through the company’s lifelong learning programme.
• Celebrations for career milestones and support for transferring entitlements when moving within the group.
• Hotel discounts, including accommodation and food & beverage savings.
• Retail discount platform designed to stretch your pay further.

Additional information

Only applicants with valid permission to live and work in New Zealand will be considered. Candidates who do not meet every requirement are still encouraged to apply if they believe they would be a strong fit for the role.