Junior Sous Chef

Are you ready to step up and take on a leadership role within our kitchen team? We’re looking for an experienced and passionate chef to join us as Junior Sous Chef at Colonel’s Homestead.

In this role, you’ll support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and delivering exceptional quality in every dish. You’ll play a key part in mentoring junior team members and maintaining high standards of food safety and presentation.

This isn't just a job; it's an invitation to be part of something extraordinary. As a full-time, Permanent member of our team, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting the magic that awaits our guests at Walter Peak.

In this role, you will:

• Assist in supervising and coordinating food production and service.
• Prepare, cook and present a range of dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, acting as a positive role model.
• Identify priorities and assign tasks within the team to ensure efficient workflow.
• Maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards.
• Contribute to seasonal menu development and daily specials.

We are looking for someone who

• Experienced Chef with strong technical skills and creativity.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience at Chef de Partie level or above
• Experienced at identifying priorities and assigning tasks within a team.
• Able to mentor junior team members and foster a positive, collaborative environment.
• Sound knowledge of food control plans and kitchen hygiene practices.
• Excellent attention to detail and pride in presentation.
• Is happy to get stuck into all sections and aspects of kitchen operations
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and develop.

What’s in it for you?

• Full-time, permanent roles with guaranteed fortnightly hours
• On-site accommodation available for the right candidate
• Amazing RealNZ staff perks – take a friend and experience our adventures free or at a huge discount, including Milford & Doubtful Sound cruises, Te Anau Glowworm Caves, white water rafting, and Rakiura
• Medical insurance cover
• Free Cardrona x Treble Cone ski/bike pass

If you’re passionate about hospitality, thrive in leadership roles, and want to work in one of the most breathtaking locations in New Zealand, we’d love to hear from you.

Real people, real places, real experiences. Welcome to Real.

When's the best time to join the Real whānau? Now's good.

We're the conservation business that's enabled by tourism. We're helping the world, one guest at a time, fall in love with conservation. We're inspiring people to leave their places in better conditions than when they found them. We channel a guest-centric approach that fuels our genuine promise to deliver Aotearoa's most unforgettable experiences.

It's our workplace environment that makes careers at RealNZ more exciting than the regular job. Working for Real could mean you're based anywhere between a secluded island, a scenic fiord, and a snow-capped maunga. Our people, places, and workdays are a great and diverse mixture. It keeps us on our toes and adds value and passion to our work.

At RealNZ, we're committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Guided by our values of Pono (Keep it real) and He waka eke noa (We're all in this together), we embrace and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that make our team stronger. Everyone is welcome here.

How to apply

Please note that we will be interviewing candidates as they apply, and if the right person is found, we may close the role off to any further applications.

Job Details

Company

RealNZ

Reference #

43193

Posted on

04 Jun 2026

Closes on

24 Jun 2026 17:00

Location(s)

Queenstown

Expertise

Chefs

Job level(s)

Experienced

Work type(s)

Permanent - Full Time