Casual Cooks & Chefs - Pastry Department

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 39,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Exclusive discounts

Extra leave

Subsidised meals

Career development

Wellbeing support

Gym & pool discounts

Job summary

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre is seeking casual pastry Cooks & Chefs to join the Pastry Department. You will help prepare and cook world-class desserts and pastries for national and international events at a renowned venue, working both autonomously and as part of a dynamic team.

Trade qualifications or a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery/Patisserie are preferred, with strong food safety standards and a passion for culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Trade qualified or Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Patisserie.
• Ability to comply with food safety standards.
• Demonstrated/proven work experience - preferably in a commercial kitchen.
• Experience assisting pastry teams for events of all sizes.
• Ability to learn quickly on the job.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and cooking dishes to the highest standards.
• Working with pastry teams on events of all sizes.
• General and specialised cooking duties including supervision or training of kitchen staff.

Skills

Autonomy

Teamwork

Food safety

Cooking skills

Customer service

Food handling certificate

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Patisserie

Job description

Casual Cooks & Chefs - Pastry Department

Casual Cooks & Chefs - Pastry Department

Chefs & Cooks of all levels – Pastry Department

Competitive hourly rate, plus benefits

Join our team!

At the Victorian Convention & Event Trust (VCET), we’re anything but ordinary. We push the boundaries of culinary creativity, crafting world-class desserts and pastries that leave a lasting impression. Our pastry kitchen is where tradition meets innovation, where every detail matters, and where passionate pastry chefs bring artistry to life.

About the role

We are seeking a qualifiedChefs and Cooksto join our talented Pastry team. The MCEC has won numerous awards for the quality and creativity of our food. This is your chance to join an award-winning team and work in an iconic venue.

MCEC’s success comes down to a food and beverage department made up of some of thebrightest and best culinary experts from around the worldwho support our commitment to sourcing produce from Victorian suppliers and delivering creative catering for our customers.

Preferences:

• Working with our Pastry teams assisting with events of all sizes
• Preparing and cooking dishes to the highest of standards
• Be able to work autonomously whilst still contributing to your team.
• Demonstrated/proven work experience - preferably in a commercial kitchen.
• Trade qualified or Certificate III in Commercial Cookeryor Patisserie
• Ability to comply with food safety standards.
• Great personal grooming, presentation, and a confident and pleasant manner
• Able to work varied shifts am/pm and be reliable.
• A Food Handling Certificate would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked, and delivered to the appropriate standard.
• Ensure Food is prepared within our HACCP standards.
• General and specialised cooking duties including supervision or training of other kitchen staff.

As part of our kitchen team, you will be…

• Preparing and cooking for both national and international events – and anything from 15 covers to 15,000 covers.
• Working and contributing as part of a supportive and strong kitchen team
• Using state of the art appliances and tools in our well-equipped kitchen
• Trained and encouraged to develop new ideas that can be used on menus throughout our business.
• Ability to learn quickly on the job
• Basic knowledge of food preparation and customer service
• Ability to comply with food safety standards
• Great personal grooming, presentation, and a confident and pleasant manner
• A Food Handling Certificate would be advantageous but is not essential

Our culture

We’re a values-driven team, and success comes from working and celebrating together. We back each other, share the wins, and push for better—because we know that great things happen when we work as one.

Here, you’ll have the space to take ownership, challenge ideas, and grow. We believe in doing our best and improving every time. Most importantly, we lead with respect— for each other, for our customers, and for the work we do every day.

Why You’ll love it here

At MCEC, we’re all about flexibility, balance, and perks that make a difference—like exclusive discounts, extra leave for life’s moments, and subsidised meals at our employee Lounge.

• Career development – Access learning programs to grow and evolve.
• Wellbeing support – Enjoy counselling, Healthy Day leave, and financial coaching.
• Stay active – Get discounted gym and pool access.
• Community impact – We invest $2 million annually in sustainability and inclusivity.

We care about more than just your job title. Our well-being initiatives are here to support you inside and outside of work.

Confidential counselling through our Employee Assistance Program.

Discounted gym and pool access with Fitness Passport.

Financial coaching through Money Assist, because your future is worth investing in.