Sound Care Group is looking for experienced Cooks to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals in our aged care homes across New Zealand. If you take pride in great food, safe kitchen practices, and working as part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!
Locations (multi-site across NZ)
We’re hiring one Cook for each of our facilities located in:
Taranaki:
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Eltham Care Rest Home – 54 Maata Road, Eltham 4398
Otago:
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South Care Rest Home & Hospital – 1027 George Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016
Role details
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Role type: Permanent, full-time
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Vacancies: 6 roles across the organisation
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Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week (typically 30-40) on a rotating roster, split shifts and including weekends
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Pay: $26.00 – $29 per hour (depending on skills, experience and/or qualifications)
What you’ll be doing
Key responsibilities:
- Prepare meals and support menu planning to ensure food is attractive, nourishing and enjoyable for residents
- Confirm residents’ cultural and medical dietary requirements with the Registered Nurse to ensure special needs are catered for
- Prepare a variety of meals according to planned menus and recipes in a sanitary manner, ensuring high quality and minimal waste
- Support kitchen operations through: menu planning and production, quality food production, economical use of supplies, compliance with administration and food safety policies
- Maintain sound hygiene practices, including hand hygiene and safe food handling
- Manage, supervise and support kitchen staff (assistant cook/kitchen hand) and help develop their skills
- Communicate effectively with residents and staff, sharing relevant updates and maintaining positive working relationships
- Participate in Health & Safety requirements, performance appraisals, and any legislated training where required
- Champion Sound Care Group’s CARE values: Competence, Authenticity, Respect and Empathy
What we’re looking for
Essential
- A relevant cookery qualification, or at least 3 years’ relevant cook experience (experience may substitute for a formal qualification)
- Knowledge of safe food handling, hygiene, and food safety practices
Desirable
- Experience cooking in aged care, healthcare, disability support, or a similar environment
- Confident communicating with residents and staff, and working as part of a team
- Good organisation and ability to work efficiently under pressure
- A caring, considerate approach and commitment to supporting older people in a continuing care environment
- Willingness to learn and do shifting work schedule
Why join us?
- Meaningful work – your cooking directly supports resident wellbeing
- Supportive team environments across our homes
- Ongoing training and development
About the Group
Sound Care Group owns and operates six aged care homes across New Zealand, committed to delivering holistic nursing care to our residents and clients. Our team is driven by a deep passion for caring, guided by the following values:
🔹 Competence – Delivering skilled, high-quality care.
🔹 Authenticity – Being genuine and trustworthy in all we do.
🔹 Respect – Honouring dignity and individuality.
🔹 Empathy – Providing compassionate and personalized support.
The Group is in an exciting phase of growth and is seeking top-notch professionals to join our competent and caring team. If you share our values and want to be part of a high-performing, compassionate environment, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply now by submitting your CV and a short cover letter showcasing your background, skills, experience and what qualifications you have. Also include your preferred location(s) and availability. Applications close 27 December 2025 and we’d love to hear from you before then!
