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JOB DETAILS

Chef Manager

CompanySummerset
LocationWharewaka
Work ModeOn Site
PostedAugust 30, 2026
About The Company
Summerset is one of New Zealand's leading retirement village operators, and more than 9,500 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 the Cranbourne North retirement village, Chirnside Park 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 9,500 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.  

When you’re part of the Summerset team, you belong to a place where your work has real impact, who you are is fully embraced and where your career flourishes. 

Job Description

Chef Manager Opportunity on the Menu!


Our Chef Managers are responsible for the smooth running of kitchen operations, from resident meal service to vibrant café offerings and special events, while leading a passionate culinary team. This is a varied, hands-on leadership role where you’ll help create great food experiences for residents and visitors, while ensuring quality, compliance, and commercial performance.

Your day-to-day will include:

  • Preparing and cooking high-quality meals for residents, including those unable to visit the café
  • Creating appealing menus and cabinet food that drive interest and enjoyment
  • Catering for special events, celebrations, and fine dining experiences
  • 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

Please click here to view the full job description.

This is a full time role working Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:30pm.

Qualifications

You’ll be a qualified and experienced Chef with a passion for food, people, and leading a high-performing team. You’ll thrive in a busy environment, bring strong commercial awareness, and take pride in delivering consistently high standards.

You’ll also bring:

  • A recognised professional cookery qualification
  • Proven leadership experience in a high-output kitchen or similar environment
  • Experience across set meal service, café offerings, and catering for events or functions
  • Strong knowledge of food safety, compliance, and the Food Act
  • Confidence managing stock, ordering, and day-to-day kitchen administration
  • Strong communication skills and a genuine passion for mentoring others

Additional Information

Why Summerset?

Summerset's known for its excellent benefits and strong sense of values around care, teamwork and drive for excellence. With some of the best benefits in the sector, some of these include:

  • Great work-life balance with set weekly hours Monday to Friday, (occasional weekend and nights will be required for events).  
  • Southern Cross Health Essentials Insurance 
  • Ongoing training & development, including opportunities to gain further culinary qualifications 
  • A role where your food genuinely makes a difference every single day 

 

Ready to Apply? 

Applications close on Friday 11th September. 

This is your chance to take the lead in a fresh, exciting environment where your creativity, leadership, and love of food will be truly valued. 

Bring your passion. Build your team. Shape something special with Summerset. 

  • Employee Type: Permanent
  • Work Location: Taupo
  • Key Skills
    Kitchen managementCulinary leadershipMenu planningFood safetyBudget managementStaff rosteringStock controlCateringFood preparationMentoringComplianceCommunication
    Categories
    Food & BeverageManagement & LeadershipHospitality
    Benefits
    Health InsuranceTraining and developmentCareer progression
    Job Information
    📋Core Responsibilities
    The Chef Manager oversees daily kitchen operations, including meal service, menu creation, and catering for special events. They are also responsible for leading the culinary team, managing budgets, and ensuring strict compliance with food safety standards.
    📋Job Type
    full time
    📊Experience Level
    2-5
    💼Company Size
    1094
    📊Visa Sponsorship
    No
    💼Language
    English
    🏢Working Hours
    38 hours
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