Cafe Cook

Guyala Cafe; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Prime Cairns location

Career growth opportunities

Fresh local ingredients

Job summary

Guyala Cafe on the Cairns Esplanade is seeking a skilled Cook to join our close-knit kitchen team. You’ll prepare high‑quality meals using local and Indigenous ingredients, with a focus on fresh, sustainable and inventive cuisine.

The role suits a dedicated professional with a passion for breakfast and lunch, contributing to a vibrant café culture in a bright, welcoming space. Competitive salary and growth opportunities offered.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent, plus at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Proficiency in preparing and cooking a range of dishes, including breakfast and lunch.
• Demonstrated understanding of food safety standards, storage and sanitation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a high‑pressure kitchen and manage time effectively.
• Strong communication and collaboration with kitchen and front‑of‑house teams.
• Adaptability to changing menus, dietary requirements and seasonal ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present a variety of dishes including breakfast and lunch using local ingredients.
• Plan and develop menu items in collaboration with the head chef in line with the cafe's style.
• Monitor food quality, portions and presentation to maintain high standards.
• Manage stock, order supplies and minimize waste per HACCP standards.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment and keep a clean, safe workspace.
• Work efficiently during busy service periods and stay calm under pressure.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Time management

Teamwork

Adaptability

Food safety knowledge

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

2+ years experience

Job description

Job Type: Permanent position | Full time position

Job Description

About Guyala Guyala is an award-winning, boutique café on the Cairns Esplanade, known for its inventive, modern approach, exceptional coffee, and thoughtful food that celebrates Far North Queensland through locally sourced, seasonal, and Indigenous ingredients. Set within a bright, airy space with stunning outlooks, we've been delivering memorable dining experiences since opening in 2020.

We're now seeking a skilled and passionate Cook to join our close-knit team and help us continue our commitment to quality, creativity, and outstanding hospitality. The Role As a Cook at Guyala, you'll play a key role in our kitchen, preparing high-quality meals that showcase local and Indigenous ingredients while aligning with our café's focus on fresh, sustainable, and inventive cuisine (including strong plant-based, gluten-free, and dietary options).

This position is ideal for a dedicated professional with a flair for breakfast, lunch (and dinner service where relevant), who thrives in a collaborative, detail-oriented environment and is eager to contribute to our dynamic, high-standard team.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present a variety of dishes, including breakfast and lunch items, using fresh, local ingredients (e.g., tropical fruits, seafood, and regional produce).
• Plan and develop menu items in collaboration with the head chef, ensuring alignment with Caffiend's style and customer preferences.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation to maintain high standards.
• Manage stock levels, order supplies, and minimize waste while adhering to food safety and hygiene regulations (e.g., HACCP standards).
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment, including ovens, grills, ensuring a clean and safe workspace.
• Work efficiently during busy service periods, maintaining composure under pressure.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and a positive customer experience.

Required Competencies

• candidates must meet the following competencies:
• Qualifications: A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent) plus at least 2 years of relevant work experience
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in preparing and cooking a range of dishes, including breakfast and lunch items with an emphasis on using local ingredients.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of food safety standards, including safe food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a high-pressure kitchen environment.
• Teamwork: Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Adaptability: Capability to adapt to changing menus, customer dietary requirements (e.g., gluten-free, vegan), and seasonal ingredient availability.

Additional Requirements

• Previous experience in a café or restaurant setting is highly desirable.
• Passion for coffee culture and an understanding of Cairns' local food scene.
• Eligibility to work in Australia (e.g., Australian citizen, permanent resident, or valid visa with work rights).
• Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and early mornings, in line with café operating hours (typically 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM).

What We Offer

• A competitive salary of $70,000 - $80,00 per annum, commensurate with experience, plus superannuation.
• A supportive and inclusive team environment in a prime Cairns location.
• Opportunities for career growth within a well-established local business.
• The chance to work with fresh, local ingredients and contribute to a menu that celebrates

Far North Queensland's flavors.