Cook

New Zealand Aged Care Services; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Aged Care Services – Waikato District in the North Island is seeking an experienced Cook to prepare nutritious meals for residents in our aged care facility.

You will handle menu-led cooking with texture-modified and dietary options, maintain high food-safety standards, manage stock, lead Kitchen Assistants, and coordinate with nursing staff to meet residents' dietary needs in a compliant kitchen.

Qualifications

• Experienced in cookery, ideally in hospital, aged care, or high-volume catering.
• Food safety certification or willingness to obtain.
• Understanding of texture-modified and dietary requirements for older adults.
• Organised, hygienic and team-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals per the facility menu, including texture-modified and special dietary requirements.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene in line with regulatory standards.
• Manage stock levels, ordering and rotation to minimise waste.
• Lead and support Kitchen Assistants during shifts.
• Liaise with nursing staff regarding residents' dietary needs and preferences.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organised and compliant.

Skills

Cookery experience

Team leadership

Food safety

Dietary knowledge

Education

Food safety certification

Job description

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New Zealand Aged Care Services – Waikato District, North Island

Part of the New Zealand Aged Care Services (NZACS) group, is looking for an experienced Cook to prepare delicious, nutritious meals for our residents.

About the role

Prepare and cook meals in line with the facility menu, including texture-modified and special dietary requirements (e.g. diabetic, allergen-friendly).

Maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene in line with the Food Act 2014.

Manage stock levels, ordering, and rotation to minimise waste.

Lead and support Kitchen Assistants during your shift.

Liaise with nursing staff regarding residents' individual dietary needs.

Keep the kitchen clean, organised, and compliant with facility and regulatory standards.

About you

Proven cookery experience, ideally in a hospital, aged care, or high-volume catering setting.

Relevant food safety certification (or willingness to obtain).

Understanding of special and modified diets for older adults.

A well-organised, hygienic, and team-focused approach.

What we offer

A supportive kitchen team and manageable meal numbers.

The reward of cooking meals that genuinely matter to residents' day.

Competitive pay in line with experience.

Applications close when a suitable candidate is found – we encourage you to apply early.

New Zealand Aged Care Services is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand and will be required to complete a Ministry of Justice check as part of the recruitment process.