Kaiwhakahaere Putanga | Production Manager – Ka Ora, Ka Ako Kitchen 

University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA)

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Kaiwhakahaere Putanga | Production Manager to lead our Ka Ora, Ka Ako Production Kitchen team. This is a full-time role reporting to the Kaitunu Matua | Executive Chef, responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient and high-quality preparation of nutritious school meals that make a difference for tamariki across Ōtautahi Christchurch.

About the Role

You’ll oversee all aspects of our large-scale meal production operation - from managing day-to-day kitchen activities and ensuring quality control, to supporting menu development, stock management and staff leadership. You’ll work closely with the Kaitunu Matua | Executive Chef to maintain high standards of food safety, consistency, and efficiency, while fostering a positive, collaborative team environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing production to ensure meals are delivered on time and to a consistently high standard
• Supervising, training and supporting Production Supervisors and Assistants
• Upholding our Food Control Plan and food safety standards
• Overseeing stock control, ordering and monthly stocktakes
• Contributing to menu development and continuous improvement initiatives
• Supporting strong team communication and a positive kitchen culture

About You

You’ll be an energetic and organised kitchen professional with a passion for leading people and producing quality food at scale. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy seeing the tangible results of your team’s hard work.

You will have:

• A Level 4 Certificate in Professional Cookery (minimum), Level 5 Diploma preferred
• 4+ years’ experience leading a team in a busy production or catering kitchen
• Excellent leadership, organisation and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and safety
• A current full driver’s licence
• A flexible, positive attitude and willingness to roll up your sleeves when needed

Work Hours

Full time, 40 hours, typically rostered 5 days across a 7-day week in line with operational needs, which may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and some public holidays. Flexibility is essential.

About UCSA

Nau Mai Ki Te Rōpū Akonga ō Te Whare Wānanga ō Waitaha

Welcome to The University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA)

Established in 1894, the UCSA is a registered not-for-profit organisation that supports UC students to succeed and belong.

Our organisation is governed by an elected Student Executive, and we employ over 300 staff. Together, we dish up a range of student-focused services, including advocacy and welfare, representation, subsidised dental and optometry, early learning centres, club support, events, and media.

The UCSA commercial team manages several cafes and bars, as well as sizeable catering and events teams delivering services to students, staff, external customers and commercial partners.

How to Apply

Please apply through our careers site.

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they are received and we reserve the right to appoint a suitable candidate before the application closing date.