Chef Manager

Summerset Holdings; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Southern Cross Health Essentials Insur

Ongoing training & development

Great work-life balance (Mon–Fri hours

Impactful dining for residents

Job summary

Summerset Holdings in Whanganui is hiring a Chef Manager to lead the kitchen operations, deliver resident meals, café offerings and special events, while mentoring a culinary team.

You will manage stock, ensure Food Control Plan compliance, oversee menus and cost control, and maintain high standards in a busy, resident‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified and experienced Chef with leadership ability.
• Experience in high-output kitchen and events.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook high-quality meals for residents and café.
• Create appealing menus and cabinet food.
• Cater for special events and functions.
• Lead and coach kitchen team, rostering and guidance.
• Manage stock, ordering, and kitchen administration.
• Ensure compliance with Food Control Plan and budgets.
• Monitor costs and minimize waste.

Skills

Qualified Chef

Leadership experience

Menu planning

Food safety

Stock management

Communication

Education

Recognised 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

Applications close on Monday 31st August 2026.