We are seeking an experienced Chef to join our team and oversee food services across our aged care facilities in Waikato. This role is responsible for planning menus, supervising kitchen teams, and ensuring nutritious and high-quality meals for our residents.

About the role:

Job title: Chef

Location: Waikato

Number of positions available: Two (2) permanent full time position

Hours and shifts: At least 30 hours a week on rotating roster including weekends

Pay range: $28 to $36 per hour depending on experience and qualification

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plan and design seasonal menus that cater to dietary, medical, and cultural needs.
  • Prepare and cook meals to high standards of quality and presentation.
  • Manage ordering, stock, and food cost control across multiple sites.
  • Lead, roster, and train kitchen staff, including assistant cooks and kitchenhands.
  • Ensure compliance with hygiene, health, and food safety regulations.
  • Work with the Facility Manager in preparing budget and cost estimates for food and kitchen supplies
  • Manage food and kitchen inventory and orders, ensuring adequate supplies at all times
  • Discuss and collaborate with the Managers, Registered Nurse, Dietitian and Cooks/Chefs from other facilities of the Group, as needed, to resolve any food preparation and service issues, whilst working with the team in determining residents' likes and dislikes
  • Ensure food handling and preparation is safe, hygienic and not wasteful
  • Train and manage kitchen staff

About You:

  • At least three years relevant experience operating in a Chef/ Cook capacity. We may consider a relevant NZQA Level equivalent qualification in culinary or cookery in lieu of experience)
  • Proven experience in menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen supervision.
  • Has experience dealing with kitchen staff concerns and  has good communication skills.
  • Preferrably has work experience in a residential care environment with empathy and cultural awareness.
  • Flexibility/ willingness to be assigned/ travel to other facilities or locations of the Group for work such as Katikati, Taranaki, Dunedin, and Waikato. Main work location will be in Waikato region.
  • Willingness and ability to do any shift on any day of the week as per rotating roster, and the availability for a full time position
  • Proficiency in the use of computer and internet, due to our electronic medication system, resident care system, HR system, roster system and other applications
  • Good command of the English language
  • Excellent physical and mental fitness
  • Can pass drug test and police check
  • Positive can-do attitude and willingness to adapt to change
  • Personability and high standard of personal hygiene

 

To Apply: Please send your CV and cover letter to hrsoundcare@outlook.com

 

About Us

At Sound Care Group, we are dedicated to delivering holistic nursing care across our six facilities, ensuring that every resident receives compassionate, high-quality support.

Our team shares a true passion for caring, anchored by our core values:

  • C – Competence

  • A – Authenticity

  • R – Respect

  • E – Empathy

We are looking for dedicated and compassionate professionals who align with these values and are eager to contribute to a positive, supportive environment. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents, we’d love to hear from you!

Closing of application on 5 September 2025

We may close this advertisement earlier if we find suitable candidates, so we encourage early applications.

**Candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Please specify your visa or residency status in your application, as priority will be given to those with existing work rights.

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