Senior Sous Chef

Ready to take the next step in your culinary career?

Join the team at Novotel Ngāmotu Taranaki and Haukai Bistro & Bar, where we showcase the best of Taranaki's local produce and create memorable dining experiences across our restaurant, conferences, events, functions and banqueting operations. Haukai Bistro & Bar is known for its focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and modern New Zealand cuisine inspired by the flavours of Taranaki and Aotearoa.

As Senior Sous Chef, you'll work alongside the Executive Chef as the kitchen's second-in-charge (2IC), leading a talented brigade across restaurant service, conferences, weddings, events and banquets. You'll play a key role in driving kitchen performance and assume responsibility for operations in the Executive Chef's absence.

Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, you will supervise, coach and develop the kitchen brigade while supporting the delivery of exceptional guest experiences across all food service operations.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity with access to training, development and career opportunities across the wider Accor network.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily kitchen operations and service delivery
• Act as the kitchen's 2IC and lead operations in the absence of the Executive Chef
• Supervise, coach and develop chefs across the kitchen brigade
• Drive food quality, innovation and consistency
• Manage food costs, stock control and kitchen standards
• Lead kitchen operations for conferences, events and banquets of up to 200 guests
• Maintain HACCP, food safety and health & safety compliance
• Support menu development and seasonal offerings showcasing local produce

What You'll Bring

• Previous experience as a Junior Sous Chef, Sous Chef or equivalent leadership position within a hotel, restaurant, conferencing, banqueting or hospitality environment..
• Strong leadership, mentoring and team development skills
• Experience leading and developing kitchen teams, including training, delegation and performance management
• Experience within hotel, restaurant, conferencing, banqueting or large-scale catering operations
• Experience catering for conferences, functions, events and banquets of up to 200 guests
• Passion for exceptional food, service and guest experiences
• Flexibility to work across a rotating 7-day roster, including split shifts

What We Offer

• $32.00 - $35.00 per hour (depending on experience)
• Permanent full-time position
• Minimum 35 hours per week
• Complimentary staff meal while on shift

Some Current Benefits

• Birthday leave and wellness day
• Paid parental leave
• Uniform provided and cleaned on-site
• Worldwide Accor accommodation and food & beverage discounts
• Ongoing training and career development
• Potential career opportunities across the wider Accor network
• Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family

Why New Plymouth?

Enjoy the best of both worlds with world-class surf, stunning coastline, mountain trails, a thriving arts scene and an outstanding lifestyle, all without the big-city commute. New Plymouth offers an exceptional quality of life in one of New Zealand's most beautiful regions.

Apply Now

If you're ready to join a high-performing kitchen team and help shape the future of food at Novotel Ngāmotu Taranaki, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and cover letter by clicking Apply Now.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Preference will be given to candidates who already hold work rights in New Zealand. Visa support may be considered for suitably qualified candidates where no suitable New Zealand applicant is available.