Lead Chef Manager: Nutritious Aged-Care Kitchen

Cater Plus; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cater Plus is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead the Whangārei kitchen, delivering nutritious meals to residents in an aged care setting. This hands-on leadership role requires directing daily meal production, maintaining high food quality, and ensuring safety and compliance.

You will oversee staffing, training, and daily operations while fostering a positive team culture and exceptional service for residents and staff.

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial kitchen, preferably in aged care, healthcare, hospitality, or catering.
• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen operations.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Hands-on approach with leadership by example.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment.
• Passion for delivering great food and outstanding service.
• Positive attitude and people leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kitchen team to achieve high standards of food quality and service.
• Plan, prepare, and oversee daily meal production.
• Ensure dietary, allergen, texture-modified, and special meal requirements are met.
• Manage food safety, kitchen hygiene, and compliance requirements.
• Oversee ordering, stock control, and food costs.
• Build positive relationships with residents, staff, and stakeholders.
• Coach, train, and lead the team to maintain a positive culture.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure smooth daily kitchen operations.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Time management

People leadership

Hands-on leadership

Commercial kitchen experience

Prior experience in care/hospitality

Job description

Cater Plus is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead the Whangārei kitchen, delivering nutritious meals to residents in an aged care setting. This hands-on leadership role requires directing daily meal production, maintaining high food quality, and ensuring safety and compliance.

You will oversee staffing, training, and daily operations while fostering a positive team culture and exceptional service for residents and staff.