Senior Chef de Partie/Junior Sous Chef

Senior Chef de Partie / Junior Sous Chef

Bay of Many Coves Resort | Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

Employment: Permanent, full-time

Start date: As soon as practicable, by agreement

Salary: NZ$65,000–$75,000 per annum, depending on experience

Accommodation: Staff accommodation provided, including options suitable for couples, subject to availability

Hours: Minimum 30 / maximum 50 hours per week, seasonally variable

An exceptional opportunity in a remote luxury lodge

Bay of Many Coves Resort, a MICHELIN Key-recognised luxury lodge, is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Senior Chef de Partie / Junior Sous Chef to join our small, professional kitchen team at our luxury waterfront lodge in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Chef de Partie ready to take the next step in their career, or an emerging Junior Sous Chef looking to develop their skills and responsibilities in a high-quality, guest-focused environment.

Working closely with our Head Chef and Sous Chef, you will play an important role in delivering exceptional food and memorable dining experiences for our guests.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their craft, enjoys working in a collaborative team and is interested in making a longer-term commitment to a unique lodge environment.

An opportunity for couples

We also welcome enquiries from couples interested in living and working together in a beautiful, remote luxury lodge environment.

We may be able to offer employment opportunities for both partners. In addition to the advertised kitchen position, opportunities may be available across other areas of the resort, including Front Office, Guest Services, Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Porter, Maintenance and general lodge operations, depending on experience, skills and our operational requirements.

This could be an ideal opportunity for a chef whose partner also has a hospitality background and is keen to embrace the unique lifestyle of the Marlborough Sounds.

Staff accommodation is available, including options suitable for couples, subject to availability.

The role

This is a hands-on culinary position with opportunities to develop your kitchen leadership skills and contribute to the resort's food offering.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present high-quality dishes to consistently excellent standards.

• Take responsibility for designated kitchen sections, including preparation, mise en place and service.

• Support the Head Chef and Sous Chef in the smooth day-to-day operation of the kitchen.

• Help coordinate kitchen activities and support junior team members during busy service periods.

• Contribute ideas to menu development, daily specials and dishes showcasing seasonal and locally available produce.

• Maintain high standards of food safety, HACCP, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.

• Assist with ordering, stock rotation, inventory control and minimising food waste.

• Participate in special dining events and personalised guest culinary experiences.

• Work collaboratively with the wider lodge team to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

• Maintain a professional, positive and adaptable approach during high-occupancy periods.

Skills and experience

Applicants must have

• At least three years' relevant professional cooking experience in quality commercial kitchens.
• Experience working independently across kitchen sections and delivering consistently high-quality food.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP principles.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage mise en place and service under pressure.
• The ability to work effectively within a small kitchen team and support less-experienced colleagues.
• Good spoken English and effective communication skills.
• The ability and willingness to live and work in a remote location.
• Flexibility to work seasonally variable hours, including weekends and public holidays as required.
• Desirable experience

The following would be advantageous

• Previous experience as a Senior Chef de Partie or Junior Sous Chef.

• Experience in a luxury lodge, boutique hotel, fine-dining restaurant or high-quality resort kitchen.

• Previous experience living or working in a remote hospitality environment.

• Experience training or supervising junior kitchen staff.

• Experience contributing to menu development and managing food costs.

• A recognised culinary qualification.

• Experience with guest-facing dining experiences or special events.

Working hours and remuneration

Bay of Many Coves Resort is a highly seasonal business, with occupancy and operational requirements varying throughout the year. Working hours are therefore seasonally variable, with longer working weeks during peak summer periods and shorter weeks during quieter periods.

The annual salary reflects this seasonal variation in working hours, within the advertised minimum of 30 and maximum of 50 hours per week.

Living and working at Bay of Many Coves

Our MICHELIN Key resort is located in a spectacular waterfront setting in the Queen Charlotte Sound, accessible primarily by water.

Living and working in this remote environment offers a lifestyle quite different from a conventional city hotel or restaurant. Our small team works closely together, and everyone contributes to creating an exceptional experience for our guests.

The successful candidate will be someone who enjoys nature, appreciates the benefits of a quieter lifestyle and is comfortable with the practical realities of living and working in a remote location.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant kitchen experience, interest in the role and suitability for living and working in a remote lodge environment.

If your partner is also interested in employment at the resort, please mention this in your covering letter and provide brief details of your partner's relevant experience, particularly in front office, guest services, housekeeping, porter, maintenance or hospitality.

We welcome applications from candidates who are interested in making a longer-term contribution to Bay of Many Coves Resort.

Pay: $65,000.00 – $75,000.00 per year

Benefits

Employee discount

Housing allowance

Work Location: In person