Chef Manager

Summerset; Taupo; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Training & development

Great benefits and work-life balance

Job summary

Summerset is seeking a Chef Manager to lead our kitchen operations, delivering high-quality meals for residents and cafe guests while driving excellence across menus, events, and day-to-day kitchen activities. You will coach a passionate team, manage stock and costs, ensure strict food safety, and maintain strong compliance with Food Act requirements, all within a vibrant, resident‑focused environment.

Join Summerset to shape memorable dining experiences, benefit from ongoing training, and

Qualifications

• Qualified and experienced Chef with a professional cookery qualification.
• Proven leadership experience in a high-output kitchen.
• Experience across set meal service, café offerings, and events or functions.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, compliance, and the Food Act.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and cooking high-quality meals for residents and cafe guests.
• Creating appealing menus and cabinet food that drive interest and enjoyment.
• Catering for special events, celebrations, and fine dining experiences.
• Leading, coaching, and supporting kitchen team, including rostering and day-to-day guidance.
• Managing stock, ordering, food storage, and kitchen equipment to keep operations running smoothly.
• Ensuring full compliance with our Food Control Plan.
• Monitoring costs, minimising waste, and supporting budget performance.
• This is a full-time role working Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:30pm.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Food safety knowledge

Education

Professional cookery qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

You can help bring our villages to life!

At Summerset, from the moment we start developing a village, to when our residents call it home, it’s the passion and dedication of our people that brings our villages to life. We are one team united by being part of something bigger – to bring the best of life to our residents.

When you’re part of the Summerset team, you belong to a place where your work has real impact, who you are is fully embraced and where your career flourishes.

Job Description

Chef Manager Opportunity on the Menu!

Our Chef Managers are responsible for the smooth running of kitchen operations, from resident meal service to vibrant café offerings and special events, while leading a passionate culinary team. This is a varied, hands‑on leadership role where you’ll help create great food experiences for residents and visitors, while ensuring quality, compliance, and commercial performance.

Your day-to-day will include:

Preparing and cooking high‑quality meals for residents, including those unable to visit the café

Creating appealing menus and cabinet food that drive interest and enjoyment

Catering for special events, celebrations, and fine dining experiences

Leading, coaching, and supporting your kitchen team, including rostering and day‑to‑day guidance

Managing stock, ordering, food storage, and kitchen equipment to keep operations running smoothly

Ensuring full compliance with our Food Control Plan

Monitoring costs, minimising waste, and supporting budget performance

This is a full time role working Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:30pm.

Qualifications

You’ll be a qualified and experienced Chef with a passion for food, people, and leading a high‑performing team. You’ll thrive in a busy environment, bring strong commercial awareness, and take pride in delivering consistently high standards.

You’ll also bring:

A recognised professional cookery qualification

Proven leadership experience in a high‑output kitchen or similar environment

Experience across set meal service, café offerings, and catering for events or functions

Strong knowledge of food safety, compliance, and the Food Act

Confidence managing stock, ordering, and day‑to‑day kitchen administration

Strong communication skills and a genuine passion for mentoring others

Why Summerset?

Summerset's known for its excellent benefits and strong sense of values around care, teamwork and drive for excellence. With some of the best benefits in the sector, some of these include:

Great work‑life balance with set weekly hours Monday to Friday,(occasional weekend and nights will be required for events).

Southern Cross Health Essentials Insurance

Ongoing training & development, including opportunities to gain further culinary qualifications

A role where your food genuinely makes a difference every single day

Ready to Apply?

This is your chance to take the lead in a fresh, exciting environment where your creativity, leadership, and love of food will be truly valued.

Bring your passion. Build your team. Shape something special with Summerset.