Centre Kitchen Lead – Healthy Meals for Kids

Kinley Early Learning Pty Ltd; Mona Vale; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MontoFri daytime hours

Family-owned environment

Ownership of kitchen

Supportive leadership

Job summary

Kinley Early Learning in Mona Vale is seeking an experienced Centre Chef/Cook to plan, prepare and serve nutritious meals for children aged 0–5 years. You will guide seasonal menus, manage allergies and ensure safe kitchen operations, while collaborating with educators to promote healthy eating.

The role offers a hands-on kitchen leadership opportunity in a welcoming, family-owned early learning environment with a commitment to child safety and high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking in an early childhood setting is highly preferred.
• Ability to plan monthly menus that meet nutritional guidelines.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and allergen management.
• Comfort with budget management and stock control.
• Experience handling diverse dietary requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious meals for children 0–5 years, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
• Develop rotating seasonal menus aligned with Australian Dietary Guidelines.
• Safely manage allergies, anaphylaxis and special dietary requirements with cross-contamination prevention.
• Cater for cultural, religious and other dietary preferences.
• Maintain allergy records, dietary information, labeling and kitchen documentation.
• Manage food ordering, stock control, budgets and minimise food waste.
• Ensure kitchen meets food safety, hygiene and regulatory requirements.
• Keep a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen.
• Collaborate with educators and centre leadership to promote healthy eating.
• Contribute creative menu ideas and encourage children’s interest in nutrition.

Skills

Experience cooking for children

Menu planning

Allergen management

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Food safety knowledge

Independent work

Education

Commercial cookery qualification

Childcare/kindergarten experience (desirable)

Job description

Kinley Early Learning in Mona Vale is seeking an experienced Centre Chef/Cook to plan, prepare and serve nutritious meals for children aged 0–5 years. You will guide seasonal menus, manage allergies and ensure safe kitchen operations, while collaborating with educators to promote healthy eating.

The role offers a hands-on kitchen leadership opportunity in a welcoming, family-owned early learning environment with a commitment to child safety and high-quality care.