Chef Manager – Christchurch

40 hours per week (including student breaks).

Do you have a passion for preparing and delivering a top‑notch food service? Cater Plus is excited to be the new food service provider for Rochester and Rutherford Halls of Residence at Canterbury University where, commencing in 2026, we will cater for the 200 students who reside there during term time, as well as manage regular functions throughout the year.

We have a rare opportunity for a talented Chef Manager to join Cater Plus, manage the food service, and lead and inspire our dedicated team. Our aim is to provide a home‑away‑from‑home environment with a delicious meal service that supports health, wellbeing, and learning. We work closely with all stakeholders to ensure this vision is achieved.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced leader to join our established and loyal team. In this role, you'll take charge of creating consistently delicious meals day in and day out. Reporting to a Christchurch‑based Operations Manager, you will be actively involved in cooking, service, and the overall day‑to‑day operations of the kitchen. You'll lead by example, working closely with your team to foster a supportive, nurturing environment that encourages growth, collaboration, and high performance. Your leadership will inspire your team to continuously improve while ensuring exceptional service and client satisfaction. You’ll manage a team of up to 15 staff members and enjoy working in a modern, well‑equipped kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high volume of healthy and nutritious meals daily
• Monitor quality of food at all stages of preparation and presentation
• Design menus that are student friendly or relatable to the function brief
• Portray an extensive knowledge of dietary requirements and ability to implement NZ food control and safety regulations
• Recruit, train, inspire, and manage a team of catering assistants and chefs
• Demonstrate great leadership and communication skills and computer literacy
• Show an energetic manner and not be afraid to roll up your sleeves and do the hard yards
• Demonstrate an ability to meet budgeted food and labour costs
• Work closely alongside our clients, attending regular planning meetings
• Liaise with students on a daily basis

This role offers a competitive salary and work / life balance. Flexibility to work additional hours from time to time is required to ensure full coverage of the roster and events / theme nights. The successful candidate will commence the role in January 2026.

Cater Plus is a company that prides itself on top service and a next level passion for food. Join the Cater Plus team, made up of over 700 individuals that live our values, and where our people are what truly make this company stand out from the rest. If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply online now.

Candidates must be New Zealand citizens / residents or eligible to work in New Zealand. Please specify your current status in your job application correspondence.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Police Vetting.

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