Chef Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Southern Cross Health Essentials

Discounts from suppliers

Birthday Leave

Long Service Leave

Training & development

Job summary

Summerset Monterey Park in Auckland region seeks a Chef Manager to lead kitchen operations, delivery of resident meals and café offerings. You will manage a culinary team, maintain quality, compliance and budget performance, and create memorable dining experiences for residents and visitors.

The role is full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm with occasional events. Requires professional cookery qualification and proven leadership in a high-output kitchen.

Qualifications

• Qualified Chef with passion for food and people.
• Proven leadership in a high-output kitchen.
• Experience across set meal service, cafe offerings, and events.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook high-quality meals for residents.
• Create appealing menus and cabinet food.
• Cater for events and fine dining experiences.
• Lead and coach the kitchen team, roster and day-to-day guidance.
• Manage stock, orders, storage, and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with Food Control Plan and cost control.

Skills

Leadership

Cookery qualification

Food safety

Menu planning

Budget awareness

Education

Professional cookery qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th 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 at Summerset at Monterey Park!

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, standard hours are 8:30am - 5pm with some flexibility required.

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

Discounts from a wide range of suppliers

Birthday Leave and Long Service Leave

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

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

Applications close on Friday 25th September.

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.