Sous Chef - Banquets

About Hilton Auckland

Located on the vibrant Princes Wharf, Hilton Auckland offers stunning harbour views, 187 contemporary guest rooms, the award-winning FISH restaurant, the iconic Bellini Bar, and seven versatile meeting and event spaces.

About the role

Picture yourself brightening someone's day. When you join our team, that's exactly what you'll do. As Sous Chef - Banquets, you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional dining experiences for conferences, weddings, events, and special occasions at Hilton Auckland.

You'll lead daily banquet kitchen operations, inspire and develop a talented culinary team, and ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and safety. Working closely with the Executive Chef and wider Food & Beverage team, you'll contribute to menu innovation, operational excellence, and a memorable guest experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional with strong leadership skills, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Here’s what you’ll do during a typical day:

• Lead culinary team operations:  Provide hands-on leadership and in-the-moment coaching to kitchen staff, with a focus on the Banquets kitchen team.
• Oversee production and service: Plan, organize, and execute daily banquet production based on event forecasts and function sheets, ensuring all food is prepared, presented, and served efficiently for meetings, conferences, weddings, and special events.
• Enhance menu offerings:  Support the development and execution of seasonal menus, promotional features, and daily specials
• Promote cross-department collaboration:  Foster strong, positive relationships between Front of House and Back of House teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Provide administrative support:  Assist with inventory management, ordering, and scheduling
• Uphold regulatory standards:  Maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness regulations, ensuring the highest standards of guest and team member well-being

What we are looking for

• Minimum2 years' experience in a Sous Chef position, preferably within a hotel, resort, or large-scale banquet environment.
• Previous experience supervising kitchen teams in a fast-paced culinary environment, preferably within banquet operations.
• Relevant culinary qualification (NZ recognized or equivalent).
• Strong time management, prioritisation, and problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Sound knowledge of food cost control, inventory management, and portion control.
• Familiar with HACCP standards, food safety, and sanitation requirements.
• Proven leadership and team development capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in international chain hotels preferred.
• Flexibility to work a rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays.
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand.

Hilton Benefits

As a Hilton team member you can expect to receive:

• Team member and Friends & Family discount on global Hilton room rates
• Discounts of up to 25% on products and services in participating Hilton outlets
• Access to Hilton University training, offering more than 2500 learning programs
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career development opportunities
• Complimentary staff meals whilst on duty
• Laundered dry cleaning services

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands.  Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day.  And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!

We are looking for exceptional individuals who are passionate about hospitality and value being part of a supportive and collaborative team. If you feel you are suitable for this role, please click “Apply”