Food Services Team Leader - Levin Home

Full Time
Application Closes 11 Jun 2026
Manawatu - Horowhenua
Chef and Head Cook
Food Services Team Leader – Levin Home for War Vets

Lead our kitchen team responsible for creating mealtimes for our Elders
Bring your understanding of complex dietary and nutritional needs
Make mealtimes so delicious they become the talk of the day!
Mō mātou - About us

When you join Presbyterian Support Central (PSC), you’re becoming part of something truly special, a not-for-profit organisation that’s been helping people for more than 115 years. Everything we do is about supporting people at the most vulnerable times of their lives, whether that’s an older person needing care and connection, or a family working through tough times. PSC has two well-known service brands that lie at the heart of our mahi:

Enliven: our positive ageing services that create age-friendly communities where older people have companionship, choice, fun, and purpose. Being part of our team means embracing a values-based approach and contributing to a not-for-profit service dedicated to supporting elders.
Levin Home for War Veterans was first opened in 1959 for soldiers returning from war. Today, the home welcomes people from all walks of life, but a close relationship remains with the Defence Force and the other armed services. All residents at Levin Home are supported to maintain close connections with family, friends and the local community. That means the home if often a hive of activity with residents and visitors enjoying spending time together around the spacious home.

Together, we make a lasting difference.

Mō te tūranga - About the role

The Food Services Team Leader manages the smooth running of the kitchen at Levin Home for War Vets, including the kitchen team. Mealtimes are an important part of our day, it's when our residents come together to connect and we aim to ensure they enjoy the food as much as the company at the table.

In Levin Home’s kitchen, you can expect busy and varied days with a supportive team to get the job done. Whilst there is always a lot going on, we offer a great work life balance – working 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, so no long or anti-social hours in this role!

You will be responsible for the daily preparation and cooking of meals in the kitchen; and coordinating the Weekend Cook and Kitchen Hands. Your tasty nutritious meals will meet the quality standards of the complex dietary needs of our Elders and you will work in a hygienic and well organised kitchen.

As the Foods Services Team Leader you will manage resources in a cost-effective manner, including preparing budgets and reducing wastage. You will provide leadership to the kitchen team and contribute to the smooth running of the Home through responding to the catering needs of the day!

Mō koe - About You

You will be an energetic person who is passionate about the wellbeing of older people. Enthusiastic but calm and well organised, with great interpersonal skills, and ability to navigate the dynamic nutritional needs of our residents. You will share our values of empathy, compassion, and respect and enjoy getting know the people you prepare meals for and providing them with quality meal options.

In addition, you will have:

City and Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or NZQA 75/1 and 75/2, or certificate in hospitality level 4.
At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role, preferably in aged care.
Knowledge and experience in practicing food safety regulations, ensuring that hygiene standards are upheld and the kitchen and its products are safe.
Excellent leadership skills, gained in a hospitality environment.
Experience cooking for a variety of dietary requirements including modified meals.
Ability to work flexibly to accommodate special events and celebrations within the Home.
Mō ō tātau painga - About our benefits

Enliven offers a compassionate environment where upskilling and training are highly valued. We support our staff in gaining nationally recognised qualifications through paid study days and workshops.

Also on offer:

Regular staff wellbeing activities for our teams to participate in.
A hospitality role without the anti-social hours - get a bit of work/life balance!
Work as part of a wider team, collaborative Food Services team
Training and development opportunities for all staff.
Supportive team who shares a common purpose and love what they do!
Discounted healthcare cover and access to further discounts with NZ retailers
A free and confidential employee assistance programme
Applications:

Please click on the APPLY button to apply for this role.

If you would like further information first, please call Levin Home Manager on 06 366 0052 or email Recruitment at recruitment@psc.org.nz

We will be shortlisting application as they come in which may result in the job add closing early so please apply now!

Please only apply if you have the legal right to work in New Zealand.