Chef Manager - Central Production Kitchen (MoE) Pe

About the Company We are New Zealand's leading food and support services provider, operating across various industries. Our well-known brands include Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, and ESS. We pride ourselves on transforming ordinary service moments into extraordinary experiences. Our people are at the heart of our success, and we embody our values of Respect, Growth, and Teamwork. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. About the Role We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chef Manager to lead our Ministry of Education (MoE) School Lunch production and dispatch operations at our Central Production Kitchen in Penrose. In this role, you will oversee the entire process of preparing, cooking, packing, and dispatching meals, ensuring compliance with food safety and health standards. You will lead a dedicated team, striving for excellence every day. Your Responsibilities In this position, you will manage daily food production, packing, and dispatch operations in alignment with our Food Control Plan. You will be responsible for ensuring adequate staffing and training across the kitchen, stores, and dispatch teams. Additionally, you will oversee stock ordering, storage, and rotation, including conducting regular stocktakes. Maintaining high hygiene standards, safety protocols, and allergen management across all areas will be essential. You will coach and mentor team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the team. About You The ideal candidate will hold an NZQA Level 4 Certificate in Cookery (or equivalent) as well as an NZQA Food Handling Certificate (Units 167 & 168). You should have proven experience in a high-volume kitchen environment and possess strong leadership skills. We are looking for someone who can confidently manage operations within budgetary constraints and under pressure. Excellent communication skills and a flexible, team-oriented approach are crucial. Additionally, you should be physically fit, reliable, and fully committed to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene. Benefits & Perks We offer competitive pay, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, including a company vehicle. This is a key leadership role within a dynamic, growth-focused sector with ample career development opportunities within the global Compass Group framework. You will be part of a supportive and collaborative work environment with flexible working options. Enjoy exclusive discounts on medical insurance, banking services, hotels, and more. We also provide Employee Assistance Programs and recognition initiatives to celebrate your achievements. Ready to lead with purpose and passion in a high-impact kitchen? Click 'Apply' Now! For any recruitment inquiries, please contact the Compass Group Recruitment team at recruitment@compass-group.co.nz. We look forward to hearing from you.