Sous Chef

Silky Otter Cinema – Engineered to Entertain

Looking to be part of a new Hospitality operation, showcasing the very best of NZ produce and its unique flavours?

We are looking to deliver a high-quality product that aligns with our world-class cinema experience. Our service and presentation standards will rival some of the best in the business. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of something new and located in Queenstown.

About Us:

Silky Otter is a New Zealand owned cinema chain with six locations; Takanini and Orakei in Auckland, Wigram in Christchurch & Richmond in Nelson, Palmerston North and our flagship cinema and restaurant in Ponsonby Central.

Far from your average movie theatre, Silky Otter is designed to change the way you enjoy movies. Focused on providing a fully immersive cinema experience from the moment tickets are booked through to when the film is finished. Most importantly, we pride ourselves on being both the friendly local cinema, and the buzzing hive for all things latest in big screen content. We are looking to deliver a high-quality product that aligns with our world-class cinema experience. Our service and presentation standards will rival some of the best in the business.

With a reputation for delivering five-star service from throughout New Zealand, we are looking for an innovative and creative Sous Chef keen to celebrate the very best. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of something new and fresh located within Ponsonby Central. 

The Position

As Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef in managing the day-to-day kitchen operation, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, preparation, presentation, hygiene and service.

You will assist with food preparation and production, kitchen administration, staff training and supervision, and ensure all food safety, cleaning and food handling standards are maintained in accordance with current legislation and company requirements.

You will play an important role in delivering an exceptional guest experience across restaurant dining, in-cinema dining and events, from small five-person cinema hires through to large events catering for up to 200 guests.

In the absence of the Head Chef, you will assume responsibility for the overall kitchen operation, leading the team, maintaining operational standards, managing service and ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen.

We are looking for a motivated and hands-on Sous Chef who can lead by example, support the kitchen team during busy service periods, maintain high standards and contribute to the success of the business.

The position is full-time, with a minimum of 40 hours per week.

Who you are:

• Passionate about food & hospitality, dedicated to using your creative flair and vision to showcase this to our guests
• Keen to lead from the top: you will always hold food safety, flavours, presentation, and delivery to the highest of standards
• Ability to work well under pressure, independently and as part of a team
• Committed to ongoing review and improvement, and ensure the relationship with front-of-house staff is of a high standard at all times
• Manages the kitchen within specified targets and KPIs and ensures ordering and stock control is effective, whilst achieving minimal wastage where possible.
• Ensures food prep areas and equipment are clean and maintains a functional and hygienic kitchen with appropriate paperwork filled out punctually
• Experience maintaining local supplier relationships, ordering and stock management
• Proven experience with HACCP and FCP.
• Ability to follow instructions, processes and procedures.
• Create a fun, safe and supportive work environment in the kitchen
• Good organizational ability
• Excellent understanding of NZ Food Safety and Hygiene,
• Excellent understanding of NZ Health and Safety,
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• A minimum of 3 years prior experience in kitchens is required.

We are looking for a New Zealand citizen or resident only. You must state in your CV that you are a New Zealand citizen or resident.

If this sounds like you and you are searching for a long-term career path with future opportunities ahead, we want to hear from you.

Please apply today with your cover letter & CV.