Chef Manager

Summerset Retirement Villages; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great work-life balance

Health insurance

Ongoing training & development

Meaningful work in food

Job summary

Summerset Retirement Villages, Whanganui, is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our kitchen operations. You’ll prepare high-quality meals, design menus, and drive café offerings and events while mentoring a culinary team.

You’ll ensure Food Control Plan compliance, manage stock and costs, and maintain high standards in a busy, resident-focused environment. This permanent, full-time role offers weekday hours with occasional events and opportunities to advance culinary qualifications.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook high-quality meals for residents, including those unable to visit the café.
• Create appealing menus and cabinet food that drive interest and enjoyment; catering for events.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Commercial awareness

Education

Professional cookery qualification

Job description

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.

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 enjoymentCatering 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

Contract and Working Hours

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

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

Applications close on Monday 31st August 2026.

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!

Whanganui Village