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.
Chef Manager Opportunity on the Menu
As our Chef Manager, you’ll oversee all kitchen operations – from resident meals to vibrant café offerings, events such as cultural or fine dining evenings – all while leading a passionate culinary team.
This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
Your day-to-day will include:
As our Chef Manager, you’ll oversee all kitchen operations – from resident meals to vibrant café offerings, events such as cultural or fine dining evenings – all while leading a passionate culinary team.
Your day-to-day will include:
Preparing and cooking delicious set meals for residents who can’t make it to the café
Creating enticing café menus and cabinet food that appeals to a wide audience
Managing food preparation for special events and celebrations
Ensuring full compliance with our Food Control Plan
Supporting a culture of warmth, care, and excellence in everything we do
Please click here to view the full job description.
You’ll be a qualified, experienced Chef with a passion for food and people. You thrive in a busy kitchen, lead by example, and love bringing people together through great food.
You’ll also bring:
A recognised professional cookery qualification
Proven experience as a Chef in a high-output kitchen, across set meal plans for care as well as café experience
A solid understanding of food safety and compliance requirements
Strong leadership and communication skills
A love for mentoring and supporting others in the kitchen
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.
Why Summerset?
When you join Summerset, you’re joining a team that values you – your contribution, your growth, and your wellbeing.
For a passionate leader this will be the exciting challenge you crave. You'll get excellent remuneration, the support of a friendly team, and all the satisfaction of making a real difference in people's lives.
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:
Next Steps: Applications for this role will close on 16/06/2026 This role may close early due to an increased number of applications - apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!
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.
