Senior Chef/Sous Chef

• Hotel Ashburton is looking for an experienced Senior Chef / Sous Chef to join our kitchen team, with a key focus on leading our evening service.
• This is a hands-on role for a confident chef who can step onto the pass, keep the kitchen moving and make sure every plate leaving the kitchen meets the standards expected.
• Working alongside our Head Chef, you'll be an important senior member of the kitchen team and will take the lead during evening services and in the Head Chef's absence.
• The Role
• Running evening kitchen service confidently and efficiently
• Leading the kitchen team during service and keeping communication clear
• Maintaining food quality, presentation, portioning and consistency
• Upholding the Head Chef's standards in their absence
• Managing the pass and coordinating service during busy periods
• Ensuring prep levels are appropriate and the kitchen is ready for service
• Supporting functions, conferences and events alongside restaurant service
• Maintaining food safety, cleanliness and kitchen compliance standards
• Helping train and develop junior members of the kitchen team
• Supporting stock control, waste management and sensible food-cost practices
• Working closely with our wider Food & Beverage team to deliver a great guest experience
• About You
• We're looking for someone who is experienced, reliable and comfortable taking responsibility.
• Solid experience as a Senior Chef, Sous Chef or experienced Chef de Partie ready to step up
• The ability to run a busy service without needing constant direction
• Strong organisation and time-management skills
• Consistent standards around food quality and presentation
• A calm, practical approach when service gets busy
• Good communication and leadership skills
• A genuine team mentality - you're willing to jump in and get the job done

Sound knowledge of food safety requirements

Hotel experience is helpful, but it's not essential. Experience across a la carte dining, functions, events or high-volume service would be particularly valuable.

Employment Type & Hours

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time

Hours: Minimum of 30 guaranteed hours per week. Typically 30–45 hours per week, depending on business requirements.

The position includes evening and weekend work as required by the hotel's operation and function schedule.

Pay

Pay Rate: $29.00–$34.00 per hour, depending on skills and experience.

Minimum Experience & Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must have

• A minimum of 3 years' relevant commercial cookery experience, including experience in a senior kitchen position or demonstrated responsibility for running a busy kitchen service.
• Experience working as a Senior Chef, Sous Chef, or experienced Chef de Partie, or equivalent relevant commercial kitchen experience.
• The ability to confidently run kitchen service and maintain food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Experience working within food safety and hygiene requirements.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a kitchen and wider hospitality team.
• The ability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required.
• A relevant cookery qualification is preferred but not essential.

Important Employment Details

• Position: Senior Chef / Sous Chef
• Employment: Permanent, Full-time
• Minimum guaranteed hours: 30 hours per week
• Typical hours: 30–45 hours per week
• Pay: $29.00–$34.00 per hour
• Location: Hotel Ashburton, Ashburton, Canterbury
• Pay: $29.00 – $34.00 per hour
• Work Location: In person