Aged Care Chef — Nutritious Menus & Kitchen Lead

Doutta Galla Aged Services; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging options

Supportive team culture

Career development opportunities

Well-equipped aged care home

Safe & flexible workplace with good W–

Job summary

Doutta Galla Aged Services in Footscray, Victoria, is seeking a passionate Chef with aged care experience for a fixed-term full-time role lasting 12 months. You will enhance residents’ daily living through nutritious meals, ensure standards meet regulatory and accreditation requirements, and lead a kitchen team.

You will manage menus, dietary needs, and service quality while maintaining HACCP and food safety compliance, aiming to deliver consistently high-quality meals and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Trade qualified Chef or equivalent experience.
• Current Food Handling/Food Safety Certificate.
• Confident with the IDDSI standard and the Aged Care New Strengthened Standard and the requirement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Food Safety regulations, guidelines, standards, and relevant legislation.
• Relevant experience in menu and food preparation.
• Experience in a supervisory role or similar managing staff.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently within specific guidelines.
• Commitment to the provision of high quality, nutritious and appetizing food and beverages
• A strong sense of pride and accomplishment in service delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to motivate and engage staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning, preparation, and delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals aligned with approved menus and individual resident special dietary needs (e.g. texture-modified, diabetic, allergy-friendly meals).
• Deliver a high standard of customer-focused service, supporting resident choice, satisfaction, and catering for functions and special events.
• Maintain food quality, presentation, and service standards, driving continuous improvement and participating in audits and accreditation processes.
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen operations, including staff rostering, training, performance support, and fostering a positive team culture.
• Ensure full compliance with infection control protocols and food safety standards, including HACCP and safe food handling practices.
• Manage procurement, supplier relationships, stock control, and budgeting to ensure efficient and cost-effective kitchen operations.
• Maintain a safe and compliant workplace by enforcing Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies and proactively managing risks and hazards.
• Support organisational compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards, contributing to resident wellbeing, safety, and quality of life.

Skills

Trade qualified Chef

Food Safety

Menu planning

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Food Handling Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Doutta Galla Aged Services in Footscray, Victoria, is seeking a passionate Chef with aged care experience for a fixed-term full-time role lasting 12 months. You will enhance residents’ daily living through nutritious meals, ensure standards meet regulatory and accreditation requirements, and lead a kitchen team.

You will manage menus, dietary needs, and service quality while maintaining HACCP and food safety compliance, aiming to deliver consistently high-quality meals and guest satisfaction.