Chef Manager

Summerset; Waikato; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Training & development

Work-life balance

Impactful work

Job summary

Summerset in Waikato is seeking a Chef Manager to oversee kitchen operations, delivering high-quality meals for residents, vibrant café offerings, and special events.

You will lead a culinary team, ensure Food Control Plan compliance, manage stock and budgets, and mentor staff in a busy retirement village setting.

Qualifications

• Qualified chef with professional cookery certification.
• Proven leadership in a high-output kitchen.
• Experience with set meal service, café offerings, and events.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and the Food Act compliance.
• Stock management and day-to-day kitchen administration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook high-quality meals for residents and guests.
• Lead, coach and roster the kitchen team.
• Cater for events and special occasions.
• Manage stock, ordering, and kitchen equipment.
• Ensure compliance with Food Control Plan and budget considerations.

Skills

Cookery qualification

Leadership

Event catering

Food safety

Stock management

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Professional cookery qualification

Tools

Kitchen administration

Job description

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

Additional Information

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.

Job Location