Sous Chef

Passion. People. Progress.

We’re looking for a Sous Chef who loves food, thrives on collaboration, and is driven to keep improving — themselves, the kitchen, and the team around them.  This is a role for someone who brings energy, curiosity, and creativity to the pass, and who knows that great food is built by great people working well together.

As Sous Chef, you’ll work closely with the Executive Chef to help lead the restaurant kitchen day‑to‑day, maintaining high standards while fostering a positive, inclusive, and motivated team culture.  Whilst primarily leading our Hotel restaurant, flexibility to support our other kitchens (Banquets and Pastry) will be needed to ensure the entire Kitchen team can succeed together. 

What we offer:

• A supportive, collaborative working environment
• The chance to influence menus and kitchen direction
• Opportunities for growth and development
• A team that values respect, teamwork, and shared success
• Competitive payrates, based on experience/capability
• Great team culture across our site
• Rewards and recognition programme 
• Accommodation and Food & Beverage discounts at our full portfolio of properties in the most beautiful North Island locations!
  

What we need from you:

• You’re someone who:
  • Has a genuine passion for food and pride in your craft
  • Brings creativity and curiosity, always looking for ways to refine, improve, and learn
  • Knows how to get the best out of people, not just manage them
  • Builds strong, effective relationships — in the kitchen and with front‑of‑house
  • Communicates clearly, calmly, and respectfully, even under pressure
  • Leads by example and contributes to a positive, professional team culture
• You'll play a key role in:
  • Supporting menu development and continuous improvement
  • Leading and coaching a diverse team of chefs and kitchen hands
  • Ensuring smooth, respectful communication between the kitchen and restaurant service team
  • Upholding quality, consistency, and food safety standards
• You'll bring
  • Minimum of 2 years experience as a Sous Chef (ideally with hotel restaurant settings)
  • 5 years experience at CdP level or similar
  • A relevant qualification in Food Cookery or Culinary Arts to minimum of Level 4
  • Right to work in NZ

About us:

Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre is a 4-star property and one of New Zealand’s largest and most versatile conference venues. Nestled in 6 acres of parkland overlooking the Panmure Lagoon, we combine a tranquil setting with easy access to Sylvia Park, train links, and motorway routes. Our facilities include flexible meeting spaces, outdoor pool, gym, running track, and spa pool – catering to both business and leisure travellers. 

We’re part of Prime Hotels, a proudly New Zealand-owned group with 9 hotels nationwide and growing. Prime Hotels sits under the wider Prime Property Group - one of NZ's largest privately owned property companies
(www.primeproperty.co.nz).

📍 Location: Mount Wellington, Auckland

📅 Position available: 1x permanent full-time role

If you’re a Sous Chef who believes great service starts with great teamwork, and you’re motivated by progress as much as perfection, we’d love to hear from you.  Apply now with your CV and a short note telling us what excites you about this role.