AR - Chef - FT

Explorers Early Learning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare fee discount

On-site parking

Vibrant team culture

Culture Club events

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Explorers Early Learning Armadale is seeking a Centre Chef who can create fresh, nutritious meals for children and adapt dishes for allergies and intolerances. You will maintain a clean kitchen and work with a supportive team to deliver home‑cooked meals that fuel learning and growth.

This role requires a Commercial Cookery qualification, a Food Handler’s or Food Safety Supervisor certificate, and a valid Working with Children Check. Experience in childcare is valued.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Commercial Cookery required.
• Food Handler’s or Food Safety Supervisor certificate.
• Valid Working with Children Check (Employee) and training.
• Experience cooking for children with dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, seasonal meals for children.
• Accommodate allergies and intolerances with safe alternatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen meeting safety standards.
• Work with the team to support learning and wellbeing.
• Engage with families and caregivers to share meal info.

Skills

Allergy-friendly cooking

Childcare collaboration

Food safety awareness

Education

Commercial Cookery qualification

Tools

Food Safety Supervisor certificate

Job description

Join Our Team as Centre Chef at Explorers Armadale!

Are you passionate about creating delicious, nourishing meals that fuel young minds and active bodies? Step into the role of Centre Chef at Explorers and become an essential part of our mission to inspire growth, learning, and joy for our little adventurers!

Your Role: A Recipe for Success

• Crafting fresh, seasonal, and nutritious meals that kids love.
• Personalizing dishes to cater to allergies and intolerances with tasty, inclusive alternatives.
• Keeping your kitchen sparkling clean, organized, and compliant with food safety standards.
• Managing time with precision and showing impeccable attention to detail.
• Spreading smiles through positive interactions with children, families, and your team.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

About

• Generous childcare fee discount*—a helping hand for your family.
• Convenient on-site parking.
• A supportive, vibrant team culture.
• Exciting Culture Club events to celebrate and connect.
• Recognition, rewards, and generous referral bonuses*.

Centre Highlights

Conveniently located Armadale you’ll find our beautiful Centre offers a nurturing environment for children. Our thoughtfully designed Centre has dedicated learning and care rooms appropriate for nurturing babies through to dynamic 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten spaces.

We have beautifully landscaped outdoor play areas and interactive learning spaces to enhance the children’s experience. Our professional kitchen allows us to prepare delicious and healthy home cooked meals daily.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our central piazza fosters a strong sense of belonging and encourages collaboration among the children within the Explorers Brighton East community.

We’re Looking For a Passionate Chef Who Brings

• A qualification in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).
• A Food Handler’s or Food Safety Supervisor certificate.
• A valid Working with Children Check (Employee), Mandatory reporting & completion of the National Child Safety Training
• Experience in preparing meals for children with diverse dietary needs, including allergies and anaphylaxis.
• Full Australian working rights (Visa/Passport).
• Bonus points if you’ve worked in a childcare setting before!

Bring your creativity, energy, and passion for good food to Explorers, where every meal is a chance to make a difference. Join us in nourishing the next generation of dreamers, doers, and thinkers!

About Explorers

Explorers Early Learning is a family-owned and operated business with 20 childcare Centres across Melbourne. Our beautiful, purpose-built Centres and enriching learning environments reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional care and education.

We strongly believe in nurturing the growth and potential of our team members, and we're dedicated to providing a clear career path for those who share our passion for early childhood education.

Explorers is committed to being a flexible, safe, equal, and inclusive workplace where we embrace and support diversity.

We encourage applications from people who are from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people of any age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, and cultural background.

• T&Cs apply.