Experienced Sous Chef
Sous Chef
About Us
We’re looking for team members who are eager to learn, take pride in their work, and are passionate about creating memorable experiences for our guests.
We believe in the true meaning of guest service — anticipating needs before they’re asked for — and we’re looking for people who share that belief. If you see hospitality as more than just a job, but as a career built on care, professionalism, and genuine human connection, then you’ll feel right at home with us.
Rutherford Hotel Nelson ~ A Heritage Hotel is Nelson's only 24-hour fully-serviced hotel. We’re proud to provide luxurious rooms, suites, and dining experiences for our guests — not customers, because hospitality is about warmth, sincerity, and treating people as if they’ve “arrived home” after a long journey.
We believe in helping our team shape meaningful careers in hospitality. Through training, support, and opportunities to grow, you’ll develop skills that will stay with you for life.
We’re also deeply connected to our community and surroundings. Nestled between four national parks in the Nelson Tasman region, our environment offers a richness of culture, nature, and produce — from world-class seafood and chocolate to the world-famous peanut butter, local lemonades, craft beer, wine, and spirits.Living and working here means becoming an ambassador for everything this region has to offer.
What We Offer- Competitive wages and fair treatment for all, balanced with clear expectations of performance.
- Career growth and development with ServiceIQ (https://www.serviceiq.org.nz/).
- Nationwide discounts through Perks.co.nz (https://www.perks.co.nz).
- Free parking at the hotel.
- Free meals while on duty.
- One free night’s stay each year including dinner and breakfast for two (after 3 months’ continuous employment).
- 25% staff discount at Rutherford Hotel Nelson.
But more than that — you’ll be part of a supportive team culture where learning, growth, and pride in service are at the heart of what we do.
About You
Our greatest asset is our people. We’re looking for passionate and skilled Chefs who want to continue learning, develop their career, and deliver outstanding guest experiences. If you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment and are motivated by creativity and teamwork, this role is for you.
The Role
As Sous Chef at Rutherford Hotel Nelson, you’ll play a key role in our culinary team, preparing high-quality dishes, supporting innovation, and ensuring consistency in every plate we serve. You’ll work alongside talented chefs in a professional and supportive kitchen environment.
Skills & Attributes
Culinary & Technical Skills- Strong foundation in classical and contemporary cooking techniques.
- Proficiency in large-scale banquet production as well as à la carte cooking.
- Ability for menu planning and recipe standardisation for both outlets.
- Food safety, allergen management, and FCP/HACCP knowledge.
- Supervising and motivating a diverse kitchen team across multiple outlets.
- Coordinating staff between banquets and restaurant prep and service.
- Training junior chefs, ability to delegate tasks and ensuring consistency.
- Effective communication with Front of House team members and Kitchen team members.
- Efficient mise en place management for high-volume events and daily service.
- Stock control, ordering, and minimising waste.
- Time management under pressure, balancing simultaneous service demands.
- Cost control: portioning, yield management, and labour allocation.
- Ability to adapt menus to changing guest needs (dietary, cultural, seasonal).
- Presentation skills suitable for both plated fine dining and banquet buffets.
- Problem-solving when faced with last-minute changes or operational obstacles.
- Consistently strive to achieve the highest standards and continuously improve in every aspect of being a chef and a leader.
- Dedicated to developing your own and the team’s skills and abilities through ongoing learning and hard work.
Why Join Us?
Because hospitality is about people. Our people. Our guests. Our community. We want individuals who not only share this passion but who are ready to become ambassadors for all we stand for.
If you’re motivated to grow, eager to learn, and want to be part of something bigger — this is your opportunity.
Apply Now
Why wait? Apply today and take the first step towards a meaningful career in hospitality.
Before applying, we encourage you to learn a little about who we are — our website www.rutherfordhotel.nz is a great starting point. We want applicants who are genuinely excited about working with us and what we represent.
Applicants for this position need NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
*** VISA SPONSORSHIP MAYBE AVAILABLE FOR THE RGHT CANDIDATE***