Executive Chef

About The Role - Te mahi

Join Sudima Hotels as our Executive Chef and lead our talented culinary team to new heights. We’re looking for a visionary leader with a genuine passion for exceptional food and a commitment to creating memorable dining experiences for our guests. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of the kitchen — from innovative menu development and day-to-day operations to upholding the highest standards of food safety, presentation, and quality.

The ideal candidate will bring creativity, leadership, and operational excellence to every service. Flexibility and availability are essential, as this role operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.

Your culinary expertise will play a pivotal role in our hotel’s success, as you lead a talented team of chefs and kitchen staff to ensure our kitchen operates seamlessly.

We are offering a permanent Full Time position with a minimum of 40 hours per week at Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel, accompanied by a competitive salary from $100,000 - $110,000 per annum.

Key Responsibilities | Ngā haepapa

As an Executive Chef, your responsibilities will include:

• Develops and monitors kitchen budgets, considering labour, ingredient and equipment costs
• Designs and plans menus based on seasonal trends, customer preferences and costs
• Oversees the recruitment, development and training of Chefs and other kitchen staff
• Assigns tasks and responsibilities to Chefs and Cooks
• Uses and teaches advanced culinary skills and techniques required to prepare menu pieces.
• Enforces strict adherence to health and safety regulations in the kitchen
• Managing kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Leading, training, and mentoring the kitchen team to maintain high work standards.
• Controlling food costs and minimizing waste through effective inventory management.
• Collaborating with suppliers to source quality ingredients and manage food procurement.
• Monitoring kitchen operations and making adjustments as needed to ensure efficient service.
• Developing and implementing food control plans in accordance with MPI guidelines.

We are looking for a candidate who embodies creativity, leadership, and culinary excellence. The ideal Executive Chef will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or a similar role in a high-volume kitchen.
• Formal culinary qualifications, such as a NZQF Diploma or equivalent.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• In-depth knowledge of various cooking techniques and styles.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and regulations.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.

He kura te tangata - We are all valued

As an employer of choice, we offer great employee benefits like life insurance, outstanding health and wellbeing programmes and discounts on hotels, restaurants, bars and spas across our network - not just for you, but in some cases your friends and family too!

He Kura Te Tangata - We Are All Valued

• Discounts at our hotels, restaurants and spas across our network
• Staff, family and friends rates at our hotels
• Meals on duty, staff parking and uniform provided
• Excellent reward & recognition events
• Service and anniversary gifts and benefits
• Wellbeing programme including Health insurance discounts
• Paid training and individual Employee Development Plans
• Training towards NZQA qualifications and our very own online digital learning platform
• Free Life Insurance, Digital Will & Best Doctors teleservice after 3 months of employment

Who We Are - Ko Wai Mātou

Hind Management builds, operates and manages high performing award-winning hotel, restaurant, bar and spa businesses. As industry leaders in social and environmental responsibility, we run a sustainable business model that takes the well-being of our people and planet seriously.

At Hind Management we believe 'We Are all Valued - He Kura te Tangata', our success is a direct reflection of our people and our company culture. We live and breathe Manaakitanga, hospitality is at the heart of all that we do. Our brand portfolio is one of the most accessible in New Zealand, which comes from our belief in empathy, understanding and accommodating differences.

Hind Management has recently been awarded the New Zealand Tourism Awards - Tourism Talent Employer of Choice 2025. Our people love coming to work every day and we think you will too! We’re looking for positive people, working with us means getting unlimited opportunities to develop yourself and your career, being part of a community and company culture that’s passionate about putting people first. And it means having the flexibility and opportunity to work how you work best, with lots of different people all working with one goal in mind.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!

Hind Management is committed to accessibility.  Should you require assistance or support and are unable to apply online due to an access need, contact our office (+64) 99051727 or email our Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]. We will aim to respond within 48 hours Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. 

At Hind Management, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including disabled and neurodivergent candidates. Our hiring process is fully accessible and designed to ensure equity for everyone. Please let us know how we can support you in presenting your best self.

E manawanui ana tātou - We care 

Ka mahi tahi tātou - We work together 

Ka whai tātou i te tika - We do the right thing 

He kura te tangata - We are all valued