Levin | Full-Time | Monday to Friday
We are seeking an experienced and people-focused Food Services Team Leader to lead kitchen operations within a well-established aged care environment in Levin.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced cook or chef who enjoys leadership, structure, and creating high-quality meals that make a real difference in the lives of older people. The role offers genuine work/life balance with predominantly Monday to Friday hours and a supportive team environment.
About the Role
As the Food Services Team Leader, you will oversee the day-to-day running of a busy kitchen servicing approximately 80 residents. You will lead a team of kitchen staff while ensuring meals are delivered efficiently, safely, and to a consistently high standard.
This role is highly operational and hands-on, with responsibilities across food preparation, team leadership, kitchen systems, budgeting, stock control, and food waste management. Menus operate on a structured rotating cycle, so the focus is on strong execution and leadership rather than menu creation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate daily kitchen operations
- Supervise and support a team of 8-9 kitchen staff
- Manage kitchen budgets, ordering, stock control, and food cost management
- Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards
- Prepare nutritious meals that meet a range of dietary requirements
- Foster a positive team culture and provide strong day-to-day leadership
- Support smooth meal service delivery within a structured operational environment
You will be a calm, organised, and capable leader who enjoys mentoring teams and working in a purpose-driven environment.
To be successful, you will ideally bring:
- Previous experience in a commercial kitchen leadership role
- Strong operational and budgeting capability
- Experience managing food safety and kitchen systems
- The ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced environment
- Experience working with dietary requirements and structured meal services
- A genuine passion for supporting older people and creating positive dining experiences
- Full-time Monday to Friday role with strong work/life balance
- One weekend per month, managed flexibly within the team
- Supportive and established clinical and operational environment
- Stable leadership opportunity with the ability to make a meaningful impact
- Competitive hourly rate with flexibility for exceptional candidates
- Ongoing training and development opportunities