Chef Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Training & development

Work-life balance

Job summary

Summerset - Care is seeking a Chef Manager at our Whanganui village to lead kitchen operations and deliver exceptional dining experiences for residents and visitors.

You’ll manage a passionate culinary team, develop menus and cabinet foods, oversee events, and ensure food safety, compliance, and strong budget performance.

This permanent full-time role runs Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with occasional events; you’ll be supported by ongoing training and a values‑driven workplace.

Qualifications

• Qualified as a professional cook with leadership experience in a high-output kitchen.
• Experience across set meal service, café offerings, and events/catering.
• 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 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.

Skills

Leadership experience

Menu planning

Food safety

Budget management

Stock management

Event catering

Mentoring

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.

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

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!