Resident Dining Kitchen Manager – 35-Hour Week

Metlifecare; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 paid wellness days

Health & Life Insurance

26 weeks parental leave on full pay

KiwiSaver contributions

Job summary

Metlifecare is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead the Food & Dining team at Forest Lake Gardens Retirement Village in Hamilton, NZ.

You will take ownership of the operation, working hands-on with the team to prepare fresh, high-quality meals for residents and foster a positive kitchen culture. This permanent role operates 35 hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday, with occasional Friday Fish & Chips and monthly events.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef with café leadership or management.
• Strong people leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, stock control and kitchen operations.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Experience in aged care or retirement living is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals for Independent Living Village residents.
• Lead, mentor and supervise the kitchen team to deliver excellent service.
• Manage recruitment, training and development of kitchen staff.
• Develop resident-focused menus and cabinet food offerings.
• Oversee stock control, ordering and kitchen budgets.
• Ensure compliance with Food Control Plan requirements and audits.
• Champion high standards of food quality, presentation and customer service.
• Promote a safe, healthy and positive workplace environment.

Skills

People leadership

Food safety

Stock control

Kitchen operations

Organisational skills

Communication

Job description

Metlifecare is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead the Food & Dining team at Forest Lake Gardens Retirement Village in Hamilton, NZ.

You will take ownership of the operation, working hands-on with the team to prepare fresh, high-quality meals for residents and foster a positive kitchen culture. This permanent role operates 35 hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday, with occasional Friday Fish & Chips and monthly events.