Development Chef - Multiple Locations
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
The Development Chef will lead the creation of cost effective, child friendly meals that meet nutrition guidelines. This role is pivotal in ensuring that every meal served meets national nutrition standards while appealing to the diverse tastes and dietary needs of ākonga I students.
This is a permanent, full-time position and the location is flexible.
Key Responsibilities include:
Menu Development:
Design and test seasonal menus that are nutritionally balanced, culturally inclusive, and appealing to children.
Incorporate cultural diversity, seasonal produce and regional preferences into meal planning.
Pilot new recipes and gather feedback from students, staff, and communities.
Ensure all meals meet programme nutrition standards and Ministry of Health nutrition guidelines.
Support continuous improvement in taste, presentation, and nutritional value.
Budget Management:
Develop recipes and meal plans that adhere to strict cost constraints without compromising on quality, palatability or nutrition.
Work with preferred suppliers supply chain and logistics teams to ensure ingredient availability and cost control and sustainable ingredient options are used where possible.
Recipe Standardisation & Documentation:
Create detailed recipe cards and preparation guides for kitchen teams.
Maintain consistency in portion sizes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
Assist in scaling recipes for different kitchen sizes and equipment capabilities.
Collaboration & Training:
Work closely with kitchen staff, nutritionists, and Ministry staff to ensure smooth implementation.
Provide training and support to kitchen teams on new recipes and preparation techniques.
Work with External Model suppliers to provide feedback on their own menu development.
Quality & Compliance:
Monitor food quality, safety, and presentation standards across sites as required.
Develop and maintain recipe specifications, portion sizes, and preparation methods
Ensure food safety, allergen management, and compliance with health regulations.
Monitor kitchen performance and provide feedback for improvement.
Conduct regular reviews and updates to menus based on feedback and evolving guidelines.
Child Engagement & Feedback:
Engage with students and communities to understand preferences and improve uptake.
Incorporate child-friendly innovations and presentation techniques to enhance meal appeal.
Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 per annum + 3% KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
To be successful in the role, you’ll have:
A passion for child wellbeing and food education.
Creatitivity in developing meals that are both nutritious and exciting.
Commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.
Experience in public sector or social impact programmes.
Knowledge of Te Ao Māori and Pacific food traditions.
Familiarity with sustainability and waste reduction in food service.
You will also offer:
Proven experience as a chef, ideally in institutional or large-scale catering environments.
Strong understanding of child nutrition and dietary requirements.
Experience working within tight budget constraints.
Ability to innovate within budget and operational constraints.
Excellent organisational and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and adapt to changing needs.
Culinary qualification or equivalent experience essential.
Nutrition qualification desirable.
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
The Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches programme offers you the chance to work closely with schools, kura, suppliers and partners within your region to make a real difference to ākonga on a daily basis.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
Te Pae Aronui provides integrated operational support to our regions for the work within the education sector and others to deliver inclusive education that meets the needs of ākonga and whānau.
The Special Projects team ensures ākonga are fed to support their engagement in learning, providing healthy school lunches to eligible school and kura around the motu.
Our team cover the country, from Northland to the deep South. You’ll work alongside other Senior Advisors, multiple provision models, and be led by three awesome Service Delivery Managers. You’ll be joining a team that enjoys a laugh, while working hard to provide better outcomes for ākonga.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Hannah Iwikau, Change Implementation Manager at Hannah.Iwikau@education.govt.nz.
Applications close Midnight – Thursday 2 October 2025.
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
