Centre Cook

Amiga Montessori; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

AMIGA Montessori is seeking an experienced Centre Cook for AMIGA Montessori Greenvale. The role focuses on preparing nutritious meals for children, maintaining a compliant kitchen, and supporting healthy eating habits in an early childhood setting.

No formal cookery qualification is required, but previous ECEC cooking experience is essential. You will work with educators to meet dietary needs and ensure food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Cook in an early childhood education and care setting (essential).
• A sound understanding of food safety, hygiene practices and kitchen compliance requirements.
• Experience preparing meals for large groups of children.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and serving fresh, nutritious meals and snacks for children of varying ages.
• Planning and following menus that meet children's nutritional needs.
• Confidently managing food allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences and special dietary requirements.
• Maintaining accurate food safety documentation, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules and other required kitchen records.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety standards, hygiene requirements and relevant regulations.
• Managing food ordering, stock rotation, storage and inventory.
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.
• Working collaboratively with educators and centre management to support children's individual dietary needs.
• Supporting a positive food culture and encouraging healthy eating habits.

Skills

Cook in ECEC

Food safety

Job description

At AMIGA Montessori, we are passionate about providing high-quality early childhood education and care in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where every child can thrive.

We are currently seeking an experienced Centre Cook to join our friendly team at AMIGA Montessori Greenvale.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who enjoys preparing fresh, nutritious meals for children and understands the importance of maintaining a safe, organised and compliant kitchen within an early childhood setting.

No formal cookery qualification is required! However, previous experience working as a Cook in an early childhood education and care setting is essential.

About the Role

As our Centre Cook, you will play an important role in supporting the health, wellbeing and development of our children by preparing nutritious, balanced and age-appropriate meals each day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and serving fresh, nutritious meals and snacks for children of varying ages.
• Planning and following menus that meet children's nutritional needs.
• Confidently managing food allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences and special dietary requirements.
• Maintaining accurate food safety documentation, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules and other required kitchen records.
• Ensuring compliance with food safety standards, hygiene requirements and relevant regulations.
• Managing food ordering, stock rotation, storage and inventory.
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.
• Working collaboratively with educators and centre management to support children's individual dietary needs.
• Supporting a positive food culture and encouraging healthy eating habits.

About You

We are looking for someone who is organised, reliable and confident in independently managing the daily operations of an early childhood kitchen.

To be successful, you must have:

• Previous experience working as a Cook in an early childhood education and care setting (essential).
• A sound understanding of food safety, hygiene practices and kitchen compliance requirements.
• Experience preparing meals for large groups of children.
• Confidence managing food allergies, intolerances and individual dietary requirements.
• Experience completing food safety records and kitchen documentation.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage kitchen operations independently.
• A positive, professional attitude and the ability to work collaboratively with a centre team.
• A genuine passion for children's health, nutrition and wellbeing.

Please note: A formal Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or other cookery qualification is not required for this position. However, demonstrated experience cooking in an early childhood setting is essential.

Why Join AMIGA Montessori?

At AMIGA Montessori, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do.

When you join our team, you'll enjoy:

• A welcoming and supportive team environment.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children's daily lives.
• A family-owned organisation that values its employees.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and growth.
• A workplace that values collaboration, respect and high-quality care.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

AMIGA Montessori is a Child Safe Organisation.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for all children and have zero tolerance for child abuse, harm or neglect.

All employees are expected to uphold our Child Safety and Wellbeing policies, demonstrate an understanding of their child protection responsibilities and actively contribute to a culture of child safety.

Successful applicants will be required to complete relevant pre-employment screening, including Working with Children Check verification, reference checks and other applicable child safety and compliance requirements.

Ready to Join Our Team?

If you are an experienced early childhood Cook who takes pride in preparing nutritious meals and maintaining a safe, compliant kitchen, we would love to hear from you!