Cook/Sous Chef/Baker

Nau mai ki te roopu Arvida | Welcome to Arvida

At Arvida, we create communities with freedom to thrive. 

We develop and operate communities that provide independent living and aged care services to older New Zealanders - with a resident-led approach. Each day, our interactions with our team and residents are guided by three values: Being There | In it Together | Look for a Way.

Cook

Our Cook/Chef plays a vital role in the wellbeing of our residents by providing high-quality, safe, and appetising meals that meet our resident’s individual nutrition needs.  

Duties are varied, active, and stimulating with lots of personal interaction. You will ensure the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen service, maintain compliance with our Food Control Plan, and collaborate with others in the kitchen team to deliver a first-class and nutritious experience for our residents.

Sous Chef - We are looking for an energetic, passionate, and creative Sous Chef to join our cafe

Our Natter café is at the heart of the Centre, focusing on making delicious dishes and baking our fresh bread from scratch. 

 Key responsibilities include:

• Prepping, baking, and cooking for the café, cabinet, and event catering.
• Monitoring quality and consistency at all stages of preparation and presentation.
• Working with the Cafe Manager to design creative menus and maintain effective cost management.
• Working with the Cafe Manager to ensure the safety and maintenance of the kitchen environment.
• Confidence to work without supervision occasionally.
• Following all standards for health and safety in food preparation areas.
• Work closely with FOH to ensure clear communication and team culture.
• Attend kitchen meetings, 1:1’s and other operational meetings as required.
• Our kitchen design is ‘open’, so we require someone well-presented and happy to be customer facing, working closely with the FOH team.
• We are looking for someone to work Monday – Fridays, 6:30am-3pm
• Prefer Start date 2nd week of October 2025.

Our Attitude of Living Well approach is an important philosophy at Arvida, and you will work alongside other team members across the organisation to practice and promote ‘Eating Well’, and taking steps to meet our internal gold standard.

To tatou kaitono pai | What you bring

• Previous experience in a commercial kitchen and/or cafe 
• Exceptional cooking and baking skills
• Excellent food hygiene practices and a commitment to safe working practices
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Flexibility, adaptability and able to work well under pressure with good time management.
• Empathy towards older adults, good interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Honesty, reliability, and integrity.
• Current NZ Food Safety Certificate.

He aha ta maatau e tuku | What we offer 

• Minimum of 30 hours per week 
• A very competitive market rate
• Ongoing training and team benefits
• An engaging and positive work environment

If you have a passion for sharing your love of food and purpose-led work, we’d love to hear from you!

Along with your CV, please submit a cover letter outlining what you’ll bring to the role and your fit for Arvida.