Sous Chef

Minor Hotels is one of Australasia’s largest accommodation providers, managing over 70 properties in the region and a global portfolio of 560 properties across more than 58 countries. Our brands, Anantara, Avani, Oaks, NH Hotels, NH Collection, nhow, and Tivoli, span six continents, including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, and South America. Joining Minor means partnering with a diverse, expanding global organisation offering boundless opportunities to thrive and succeed.

Our people are the heart of our success, and we are committed to investing in your skills to support your career growth and advancement. You’ll feel valued as part of a tight-knit team, united in delivering exceptional guest experiences and thriving in a company dedicated to fostering an outstanding workplace culture.

We are looking for an experienced, professional, and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join the team at Oaks Wellington Hotel on a full-time basis. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will assist in leading the kitchen operations, oversee food preparation and service, support kitchen staff, and ensure the highest standards of food quality and hygiene are maintained at all times.

From the moment a guest dines with us, your creativity, leadership, and culinary expertise will help deliver an exceptional experience. You’ll play a key role in driving kitchen performance and inspiring a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Assisting the Executive Chef in the daily operation of the kitchen and leading the team in their absence.
• Ensuring consistent, high-quality food preparation and presentation across all sections.
• Supporting and mentoring kitchen staff to develop their skills and maintain a positive team environment.
• Overseeing food stock levels, assisting with ordering, inventory management, and stock rotation.
• Maintaining strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations.
• Managing food cost and wastage, contributing to menu planning and cost control.
• Collaborating with the Food & Beverage team to ensure seamless service delivery and guest satisfaction.
• Responding promptly and professionally to any kitchen or guest issues related to food service.
• Assisting in staff rostering and ensuring the kitchen is adequately staffed to meet business demands.
• Upholding cleanliness, organisation, and functionality of all kitchen areas.
• Working across breakfast, lunch, and dinner operations on a rotating roster—flexibility is essential for success in this role.

Expected minimum hours: 30 hours per week

Location: 89 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Hourly range: $32.50 NZD per hour. (excluding contributions to KiwiSaver). Payment of wages will be processed on a fortnightly basis by direct credit to your nominated bank account.

Annual salary approximate: $50,700 (excluding contributions to KiwiSaver). 

Approved sponsor: Minor Hotels Australasia Limited (previously Oaks Hotels & Resorts Limited)

Schedule 1 - Specific Terms and Conditions

Job Title: Sous Chef

Job Level: Unit Head

Employment Status: Full Time - Permanent

Commencement Date: To be confirmed

Reporting to: Executive Chef

Breaks: Employees are entitled to paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks based on the number of hours worked. Breaks will be taken at times agreed to by the employer and employee or when the law says breaks must be taken. Leave Entitlements: As per Employment New Zealand - Leave and holidays | Employment New Zealand and Holidays Act 2003.

Period of Notice: Four weeks

To be successful in this role you will have:

• 2+ years experience in a Sous Chef or senior kitchen leadership role, ideally within a hotel or high-volume hospitality environment
• Relevant culinary qualification (e.g. Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of commercial kitchen operations, including food safety, HACCP, and hygiene practices
• Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate a diverse kitchen team in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent culinary skills with a strong eye for detail and commitment to quality presentation
• Experience with stock control, ordering, and minimising food wastage
• A passion for creating memorable dining experiences through high standards of food and service
• Solid understanding of kitchen financials including food cost control and labour management
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments
• Flexibility to work across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services on a rotating roster, including weekends and public holidays

At Minor Hotels, we value our people as the heart of our success. Joining Minor means, you’ll enjoy a rewarding package designed to support your professional growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance:

• Competitive Compensation: A highly competitive, negotiable remuneration package tailored to your experience and expertise.
• Career Development: Comprehensive professional induction and ongoing training to fuel your career progression, plus potential financial support for education aligned with Minor Hotels’ business needs (eligibility applies).
• Exclusive Discounts:
  • 50% off accommodation at all Minor Hotels brands across Australasia, with a 20% discount for friends and family.
  • Discounts on international accommodation, food and beverage outlets worldwide.
  • Savings and cashback at over 400 popular retailers in Australia and New Zealand
  • Discounts on entertainment and experiences.
  • NIB insurance discounts for added financial security.
• Leave Benefits: Generous paid leave, including parental leave and birthday leave.
• Wellbeing and Support:
  • Access to Uprise Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and tailored wellness programs.
  • Exclusive benefits at Elysia Wellness Retreat, including accommodation, dining, wellness activities, spa treatments, and one-on-one wellness consultations.

Our people drive the success of our business; We are a dynamic organisation dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences. We invest in your skills and foster a workplace culture that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.

Currently, we are only accepting applications from candidates who have working rights within Australia or New Zealand. 

General Terms and Conditions

1. Work Eligibility Employment begins on the commencement date and continues until terminated under the Letter of Offer Legal work eligibility in New Zealand is required at all times.

2. Remuneration & Deductions Pay and benefits are as outlined in Schedule 1. Reasonable work-related expenses are reimbursed. The company may deduct amounts owed from your pay following consultation. KiwiSaver contributions comply with legal requirements.

3. Suspension & Termination The company may suspend you (paid or unpaid) for investigations or terminate employment per notice in Schedule 1. Immediate termination applies for serious misconduct or other specified reasons. Garden leave may apply during the notice period.

4. Redundancy No redundancy compensation is provided, but notice or payment in lieu is given. Offers of similar employment may exclude redundancy provisions.

5. Confidentiality & Intellectual Property Confidential information and intellectual property created during employment belong to the company. Disclosure or use outside duties requires written consent.

6. Conflict of Interest Secondary employment and potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed and approved.

7. Health & Safety Compliance with health and safety laws, policies, and personal fitness for work is mandatory.

8. Policies & Disputes You must adhere to company policies. Employment issues are resolved per Employment New Zealand framework.

9. All other standard terms and conditions

10. Where terms within your employment contract are silent, your employment with Minor Hotels Australasia will be governed by all applicable New Zealand legislation.