Centre Chef

Kids Early Learning Centres; Ipswich City; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids ELC in Goodna is seeking a Cook to plan, prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks that support children's health and development. You will work with centre leadership, educators and families to meet dietary needs while upholding food-safety standards.

This role offers stable hours and a positive, child-centred environment where your kitchen skills contribute to learning. Applicants should have Cook or Chef experience and a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent), plus WWC

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent) preferred.
• Sound knowledge of food safety and safe food handling practices.
• Experience planning menus and managing food budgets.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements, allergens and nutritional needs.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to work independently and manage your own kitchen.
• A positive and collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Valid Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare healthy, balanced meals and snacks
• Develop seasonal and engaging menus that meet nutritional requirements
• Cater for allergies, medical conditions and dietary preferences
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen presentation
• Manage food ordering, stock control and kitchen budgets
• Maintain food safety records and compliance documentation
• Build positive relationships with children, families and team members
• Involve children in age‑appropriate cooking and food experiences
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming and child‑focused environment

Skills

Cook experience

Menu planning

Kitchen budgeting

Food safety

Time management

Independence

Teamwork

Working With Children Check

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Ready to leave late nights, weekends and unpredictable hospitality rosters behind?

At Kids ELC, our Cooks play an important role in supporting children's health, wellbeing and development through nutritious, high-quality meals. This is an opportunity to combine your love of cooking with meaningful work, creating healthy and engaging meals that fuel children's learning and growth every day.

If you're looking for a role that offers work-life balance, consistent hours and the chance to make a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Who We Are

At Kids ELC, we're more than an early learning provider.

We're a team of passionate professionals committed to creating engaging, nurturing and child-centred environments where children can thrive, families feel connected and educators can build rewarding careers.

Our centres are built on strong relationships, quality education and a genuine commitment to helping our people grow. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to take the next step, you'll be supported every step of the way.

Goodna - Queen St Kids ELC

Located in Goodna, our centre provides high-quality education and care for 112 children per day aged six weeks - six years. Our passionate team is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences, building strong family partnerships and fostering an environment where every child can thrive.

At Goodna - Queen St, you'll join a team that celebrates collaboration, supports professional growth and genuinely enjoys making a difference each day. Whether it's sharing ideas, celebrating milestones or supporting one another through challenges, we believe great centres are built by great people.

With state-of-the‑art kitchens, supportive leadership and a strong connection to our local community, Goodna - Queen St is a place where both children and educators can learn, grow and succeed.

What You’ll Do

As our Cook, you'll be responsible for planning, preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks that support children's health, wellbeing and development.

Working closely with centre leadership, educators and families, you'll ensure menus meet nutritional guidelines while catering for allergies, intolerances, cultural requirements and individual dietary needs.

You will:

• Plan and prepare healthy, balanced meals and snacks
• Develop seasonal and engaging menus that meet nutritional requirements
• Cater for allergies, medical conditions and dietary preferences
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen presentation
• Manage food ordering, stock control and kitchen budgetsMaintain food safety records and compliance documentation
• Build positive relationships with children, families and team members
• Involve children in age‑appropriate cooking and food experiences
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming and child‑focused environment

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of your kitchen while being part of a supportive team that genuinely values your contribution. The position objectives include providing healthy and balanced meals, managing purchasing against budget, and maintaining positive relationships with families, children and staff.

Who You Are

You are passionate about food, organised in the kitchen and genuinely enjoy knowing your work makes a difference.

You take pride in preparing high-quality meals, maintaining excellent food safety standards and creating positive experiences for those you serve.

You'll bring:

• Experience as a Cook or Chef
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent) preferred
• Sound knowledge of food safety and safe food handling practices
• Experience planning menus and managing food budgets
• Knowledge of dietary requirements, allergens and nutritional needs
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• The ability to work independently and manage your own kitchen
• A positive and collaborative approach to teamwork
• Valid Working With Children Check (or willingness to obtain)

Most importantly, you are someone who:

• Is passionate about preparing nutritious food
• Values quality, safety and consistency
• Enjoys building relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Takes pride in maintaining an organised and welcoming kitchen
• Wants to use their skills in a role with purpose and impact

What Matters To Us Most

Kids ELC is committed to safeguarding children and promoting their safety, welfare and wellbeing. We have a zero‑tolerance approach to child abuse and are dedicated to creating child‑safe environments where children are respected, valued and protected.

All applicants will undergo appropriate screening, including qualification verification, reference checks and Working with Children checks. Successful applicants will be expected to uphold our Child Safe Standards, Child Protection policies and Code of Conduct at all times.