Chef Manager

CGR Services; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Training & development

Work‑life balance

Job summary

Summerset in Whanganui is seeking a Chef Manager to lead kitchen operations, deliver high‑quality resident meals, café offerings and events, and coach a passionate culinary team.

You’ll create appealing menus, manage stock and costs, ensure Food Control Plan compliance, and drive excellence in service and guest experience.

This permanent full‑time role runs Monday to Friday 9:00am–5:30pm with occasional weekend or night events.

Qualifications

• Qualified chef with passion for food, people and leading a high‑performing team.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to deliver high standards in a busy kitchen.
• Experience across set meal service, café offerings and event catering.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook high‑quality resident meals and café offerings.
• Create appealing menus and cabinet foods to drive interest and enjoyment.
• Cater for special events, celebrations and fine dining experiences.
• Lead, coach and schedule your kitchen team and daily guidance.
• Manage stock, ordering, storage and kitchen equipment to keep operations running smoothly.
• Ensure full compliance with the Food Control Plan.

Skills

Leadership

Staff mentoring

Menu planning

Budget awareness

Food safety

Education

Professional cookery qualification

Job description

Company 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 at our Whanganui village.

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 permanent full-time role and working Monday to Friday 9.00am to 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

This is your chance to take the lead in a exciting environment where your creativity, leadership, and love of food will be truly valued. Bring your passion. Shape something special with Summerset!

Applications close on Monday 31st August 2026.