JOB DETAILS

Kitchen Assistant - Part time

CompanySummerset
LocationDunedin
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 8, 2026
About The Company
Summerset is one of New Zealand's leading retirement village operators, and more than 8,000 New Zealanders call Summerset home. Our vibrant villages focus on bringing the best of life to our residents, and we offer a continuum of care to provide peace of mind should the care needs of our residents’ change. Our recent expansion into Australia includes two retirement villages in development and five more in the works in Victoria. Across Australasia Summerset provides a range of living options and care services to more than 8,000 residents and employs more than 2,800 staff. Summerset has corporate offices located in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Melbourne. We offer a range of careers, from development and design through to care, village and property management, and corporate functions such as finance and marketing.
About the Role

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.

Job Description

As a Kitchen Assistant for our Dunedin Village you’ll be at the heart of our kitchen’s day-to-day operations. Your support will help ensure our chefs can deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to our residents and visitors. From assisting with food prep to keeping the kitchen clean and organised, you’ll make a big difference behind the scenes – and you’ll be appreciated for it.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

  • Assisting with basic food preparation such as peeling, chopping and portioning
  • Helping with plating and presentation of meals
  • Operating dishwashers and ensuring all kitchenware is properly sanitised
  • Keeping kitchen areas clean, organised, and compliant
  • Helping to receive, unpack and store deliveries, including stock rotation

Your role will be varied and rewarding and your efforts will directly contribute to the wellbeing and enjoyment of our residents and their families. This role will be part-time:  4pm to 7pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays and also Sunday.

Qualifications

You’re approachable, reliable, and a team player with a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to contribute to a high-performing kitchen. You’ll also bring:

  • Previous work experience ideally within hospitality
  • A friendly, can-do attitude and great communication skills
  • Good physical stamina
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a supportive team

At Summerset, we believe diversity strengthens our team and enriches the care we provide. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life—including those with transferable skills from other industries. You may not tick all the requirements, and that’s okay; we value what you bring to the table and look at the whole individual. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Equal opportunity is at the heart of how we recruit, and we encourage you to bring your unique perspective and passion to our team.

Additional Information

We are proud to show our appreciation for the passion and commitment our people show every day, by offering a selection of employee benefits:

Our benefits include:

  • Day time hours (other than occasional events)
  • Ongoing training and career development 
  • Paid day off for your birthday
  • Uniform provided

Next Steps: Applications for this role will close on the 22nd April. This role may close early due to an increased number of applications - apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! 

  • Employee Type: Permanent
  • Work Location: Dunedin
  • Key Skills
    Food preparationKitchen hygieneDishwashingStock rotationPlatingCommunication skillsTeamworkPhysical staminaTime management
    Categories
    HospitalityFood & BeverageSocial Services
    Benefits
    Ongoing training and career developmentPaid day off for your birthdayUniform provided
    Job Information
    📋Core Responsibilities
    The Kitchen Assistant will support chefs with daily food preparation, plating, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. Responsibilities also include managing deliveries, stock rotation, and operating dishwashing equipment.
    📋Job Type
    part time
    📊Experience Level
    0-2
    💼Company Size
    1064
    📊Visa Sponsorship
    No
    💼Language
    English
    🏢Working Hours
    9 hours
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