Team Leader | Wellfood Food Services

• Christchurch – Burwood Health Campus
• Permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. 

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and people-focused Team Leader – Wellfood Food Services to lead and coordinate the delivery of high-quality, safe, and efficient food services across Burwood Hospital.

This role provides operational and people leadership across food production, patient meal services, café operations, and associated support services. You will work closely with Food Services Supervisors, frontline staff, clinical teams, and stakeholders to ensure services meet required standards, support patient and whānau needs, and contribute to continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

• Provide leadership, mentoring, and operational support to Food Services Supervisors and frontline staff
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture that values accountability, communication, and development
• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management, and ongoing staff development
• Develop and publish rosters, manage leave planning, and ensure accurate attendance capture for payroll
• Support the attraction, retention, and development of kaimahi Māori and diverse leadership pathways

Operational Management

• Ensure all food services (kitchen, café, patient meals) operate efficiently and meet agreed service standards
• Monitor daily operations and respond promptly to service issues
• Oversee large-scale food production planning, workflow, and resource allocation in collaboration with Supervisors
• Ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance in the preparation and delivery of modified diets
• Liaise with clinical teams, dietitians, and facilities management to ensure integrated service delivery
• Manage feedback and resolve concerns related to food service delivery
• Represent Food Services in meetings, initiatives, and service improvement activities

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, Food Control Plans, and organisational policies
• Maintain records and ensure all staff are trained in hygiene, safety, and food handling protocols
• Exercise leadership in Health and Safety, identifying and mitigating workplace risks
• Contribute to audits, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives

Financial & Resource Management

• Support cost-effective use of resources and reduction of food wastage
• Assist the Hospitality Manager with budget tracking, stock control, procurement, and equipment planning
• Ensure understanding and compliance with financial and operational delegations

Equity, Te Tiriti & Organisational Values

• Actively support Māori health gain and equitable outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples
• Demonstrate awareness of colonisation, power relationships, and cultural impacts on service delivery
• Support tangata whenua– and mana whenua–led change and Māori self-determination
• Work collaboratively with Hauora Māori Service and Pacific Health teams
• Model inclusive, agile leadership aligned with Te Mauri o Rongo and Health New Zealand values

About you

Essential

• Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. Level 4 qualification in Management)
• Cooking qualifications or equivalent industry experience
• Minimum 2 years’ experience leading and managing staff
• Proven experience in large-scale food production environments
• Demonstrated staff management and team leadership capability
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation, Food Control Plans, and compliance requirements
• Clear understanding of modified diets and their importance in clinical settings
• Experience implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action
• Experience training individuals and groups
• Excellent communication and relationship-management skills
• Experience with rostering, supervision, and operational planning
• Competency with relevant systems (e.g. stock ordering, HR/rostering tools, Microsoft Office)

Desired

• Level 5 qualification in Management or equivalent
• Experience in hospital, healthcare, or retirement village food service operations 

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online career’s portal.  If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.