Junior Sous Chef – Hotel Kitchen – Rotorua, New Zealand

Location:

Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Industry Sector:

Luxury Hospitality – Full-Service Hotel Kitchen

Annual Salary Range:

NZD 62,000 – NZD 70,000 (based on experience, performance, and role responsibility)

Experience Required:

Minimum 4 to 5 years in a professional kitchen environment, with at least 1 year in a junior supervisory role or equivalent

Culinary Style:

Contemporary international cuisine with a focus on global buffet service and à la carte dining

English Language Requirement – IELTS Criteria:

To be eligible for this role under New Zealand immigration policy, candidates must meet the following IELTS requirements:

• Minimum Overall Band Score: 6.0
• Minimum Score Per Component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking): 5.5
• Test Format Accepted: IELTS General Training or Academic
• Validity: IELTS results must be dated within the last 2 years at the time of visa application
• Purpose: Satisfies the language competency requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

Note: While IELTS is preferred, equivalent tests such as PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT may also be considered.

Position Summary:

A well-established 4-star hotel in Rotorua is seeking a dedicated and proactive Junior Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef and Sous Chef in managing the kitchen’s daily operations. This is a key leadership role for a capable professional looking to take the next step in their culinary career within a dynamic, multicultural hospitality setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and supervise day-to-day kitchen operations during service
• Lead and support Chef de Parties (CDPs), Commis, and trainees
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and final plating for buffet and à la carte service
• Ensure strict adherence to the hotel’s quality, hygiene, and presentation standards
• Assist in inventory management, ordering, and stock rotation
• Uphold kitchen Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and HACCP food safety standards
• Support training, mentoring, and performance evaluation of junior kitchen staff
• Collaborate with senior chefs on menu development and seasonal planning
• Step into Sous Chef responsibilities during off days, holidays, or service peaks

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Demonstrated expertise in both high-volume buffet setups and refined à la carte production
• Experience managing kitchen sections and junior staff in a fast-paced environment
• Formal culinary education (diploma or degree preferred)
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to motivate a team
• Knowledge of New Zealand’s hospitality culture, food regulations, and hygiene standards
• Eagerness to relocate and integrate into a multicultural kitchen environment
• High level of professionalism, punctuality, and attention to detail

Career Benefits:

• Join a reputable hotel group with potential for internal promotions
• Supportive kitchen environment with emphasis on skill development
• Opportunity to gain international work experience in one of New Zealand’s leading tourist hubs
• Relocation assistance and onboarding support may be available for the right candidate

Living and Working in Rotorua:

Nestled in the geothermal heart of New Zealand, Rotorua offers a rare blend of cultural richness, outdoor adventure, and community living. It’s an ideal location for professionals who want a peaceful yet progressive lifestyle, surrounded by lakes, forests, and natural beauty. The city is well-connected and known for its vibrant tourism, making it a key location for hospitality professionals.