Chef Manager: Lead Creative Kitchen & Events

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

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.