Centre Chef (Joy Terranora)

Joy Early Learning; Terranora; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-award pay

Overtime pay or TIL

CPR & First Aid + uniforms provided

Loyalty bonuses: 1y $250, 3y $500, 5y

7&10 year $1000

Refer-a-friend bonus $250

Lunch provided

Job summary

Joy Early Learning is seeking an experienced cook/chef to prepare healthy meals for children, including those with dietary needs. The role collaborates with educators and families to support wellbeing, keeps the kitchen clean and safe, and handles stock management to minimise waste.

Qualifications include Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, Food Safety Supervisor, and a current Blue Card. Experience in childcare meal prep is preferred, with a team-focused, detail-oriented approach.

Qualifications

• Food safety knowledge required to cater for allergies and dietary needs
• Qualifications in childcare food preparation would be a plus
• Blue Card current (or eligibility) required

Responsibilities

• Prepare healthy, balanced meals and snacks for children
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen and manage stock
• Work with educators and families to support wellbeing
• Cater for allergies and dietary needs

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Blue Card

Job description

About the role

Prepare healthy, balanced meals and snacks for children, including special dietary needs and cultural preferences. Work with educators and families to support wellbeing, maintain a clean and safe kitchen, manage stock and minimise waste, and help teach children about healthy eating.

• Experienced cook/chef (childcare preferred) with strong food safety knowledge and the ability to cater for allergies and dietary needs.
• Organised, detail-focused, and collaborative with great communication
• Relevant food handling and safety certifications required

About you:

We’re looking for candidates who have relevant qualifications for the role:

• A genuine love for early childhood education
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or equivalent food safety certification)
• Current Blue Card
• A team-first mindset and warm, professional approach
• Experience in early childhood or childcare meal preparation (preferred)

Why Joy?

• Above-award base pay with clear pay bands
• Paid overtime or TIL — your time matters
• Paid CPR & First Aid + uniforms provided
• Loyalty bonuses that genuinely add up
• 1 year - $250
• 3 year - $500
• 5 year - $750
• 7 & 10 year - $1000
• Refer-a-friend bonus — $250 voucher when your referral passes probation
• Lunch is on us

Joy Time & Flexibility: Real Work-Life Balance

• Fixed shifts with rosters set fortnightly in advance
• Extra paid programming time off the floor – 3 hours per week (not the standard 2)

Joy Career Pathways: Grow Without Leaving

• Study leave + paid placements

• Secondments across Joy centres (Sunshine Coast Tweed Coast) to have fresh experiences without starting over somewhere new

Joy Wellbeing: Because Educators and Teachers Are Human

• Centre support teams — consistent extra hands in rooms
• Free, confidential EAP counselling

Joy Family First: We Get It

• 75% discounted childcare for staff children
• Priority placement at Joy centres
• Return-to-work transition plans (reduced days to start)

Joy Perks: The Fun Stuff Matters Too

• Paid birthday leave
• Centre-level budgets for quarterly team catch-ups, socials and joy-filled moments beyond the classroom

At Joy, you’ll find:

• A supportive organisation that values innovation and excellence in early childhood education
• A beautifully designed centre where play takes centre stage
• Modern, thoughtfully designed learning spaces and resources to support your teaching
• Opportunities to make a truly positive impact in a dynamic and welcoming community
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A collaborative team culture where your voice and ideas are valued
• A chance to shape a centre from the ground up and leave your mark in meaningful ways

This Is Your Sign

If you want to work somewhere that pays you properly, respects your time, invests in your future and genuinely cares about your wellbeing — Joy is ready to welcome you.

Note: If you have previously applied for a role with Joy Early Learning, please do not submit another application. We will contact suitable applicants directly.

Child Safety Commitment

Children’s safety, wellbeing, and voices are our highest priority. Joy Early Learning has zero tolerance for abuse or neglect and responds promptly to all concerns in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

We are committed to a culturally safe, inclusive environment that respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Our practices actively support and strengthen cultural safety for children, families, and communities. All team members are responsible for upholding child safety and contributing to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.

Joy Early Learning exists for families who believe childhood should be joyful, curiosity-led, and packed with play.

Our centres are built for movement, discovery, and connection, with nature-rich play spaces, engaging educators, and a sense of belonging you can feel from the moment you step inside.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all early learning. We believe in real moments, big wonder, and learning that happens naturally. Because when children feel happy, safe, and free to explore, the best kind of learning happens.

Our first centre opened in 2025 in Ripley, followed by our Aura centre in 2026. We also have two more centres set to open in 2026 across Moffat Beach and Terranora.