Chef

Wesley Mission Queensland Limited; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Flexible work

EAP

Health & wellbeing

Professional development

Supportive team

Meaningful impact

Not-for-profit values

Job summary

Hummingbird House in Queensland is seeking a compassionate Chef to lead the preparation and delivery of nutritious meals for children, families, visitors and staff. You will develop seasonal menus, oversee kitchen operations and ensure food safety compliance in a healthcare setting.

You will mentor team members and volunteers, support special events, and help create a warm, family-centred environment for every family who visits Hummingbird House.

Qualifications

• Minimum Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) and Food Safety Supervisor Certification.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a commercial kitchen within healthcare, disability, aged care or similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety standards, workplace H&S and allergen management.
• Experience developing nutritious menus that accommodate diverse dietary, cultural and religious requirements.
• Proven ability to manage inventory, stock control, food production and kitchen budgets.
• Experience maintaining food safety records and audit readiness.
• Strong organisational and time management skills; ability to manage priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships with children, families, staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals for children, families, visitors and staff.
• Develop seasonal menus and oversee kitchen operations.
• Maintain food safety compliance and meet dietary, cultural and medical requirements.
• Support special events and mentor team members and volunteers.
• Contribute to a welcoming, compassionate experience for every family.

Skills

Cert III Cookery

Food Safety

Healthcare kitchen

HACCP

Menu planning

Budget management

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821)

Job description

Your Role as a Chef

At Hummingbird House, Queensland's only children's hospice, food is more than nutrition. It is comfort, connection, and an essential part of creating a home-like environment for children and families during some of life's most challenging moments.

Reporting to the Hospitality & Administration Coordinator, you will lead the preparation and delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals for children, families, visitors and staff. You will develop seasonal menus, oversee kitchen operations, maintain food safety compliance, and ensure meals meet a wide range of dietary, cultural, religious and medical requirements. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will also support special events, mentor team members and volunteers, and contribute to creating a welcoming and compassionate experience for every family who visits Hummingbird House.

What We Offer

• Salary packaging benefits to increase your take-home pay
• Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Corporate health and wellbeing initiatives
• Professional development and learning opportunities
• Supportive and inclusive team culture
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families
• Work for a values-driven, leading not-for-profit organisation

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a compassionate and experienced Chef who is passionate about creating nutritious, high-quality meals and leading exceptional food service experiences.

You will bring:

• Minimum Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821)
• Food Safety Supervisor Certification
• Minimum 2 years' experience working in a commercial kitchen within healthcare, disability, aged care or a similar environment
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety standards, workplace health and safety, allergen management and compliance requirements
• Experience developing nutritious, creative menus that accommodate diverse dietary, cultural and religious requirements
• Proven ability to manage inventory, stock control, food production and kitchen budgets
• Experience maintaining food safety records and ensuring audit readiness
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff and volunteers
• Ability to lead, mentor and support team members and volunteers within a collaborative team environment
• Commitment to providing family-centred care through a compassionate, respectful and inclusive approach
• A growth mindset and willingness to learn, adapt and contribute to continuous improvement

A Valuable Addition, Yet Not a Must-Have!

• Barista experience or the ability to operate commercial coffee machines
• Current Paid Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance (Yellow Card)
• Relevant probity checks required by legislation and WMQ Limited policy

Join a Team Where Your Work Truly Matters

Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice, operates as a medically supported ‘home away from home’ for children affected by a life limiting condition, and their families. The stand-alone purpose-built facility offers 8 guests in care beds, 5 family accommodation suites and a unique ‘end of life’ suite.

Underpinned by the notion of creating a ‘warm embrace’ for children and their families, the multidisciplinary team provides 24/7hr scheduled and emergency specialist care short break stays; pain and symptom management; care at the end of life; and psychosocial support programs for the whole family. With strong connections locally, nationally and internationally with specialist paediatric palliative care services, Hummingbird House is an integrated community-based service delivering flexible child and family centred care.

About Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ)

Wesley Mission Queensland is a leading not-for-profit provider of health and community services. With over a century of service, we support people across all life stages with aged care, disability support, mental health services, and community outreach. Our values, Innovation, Hope, Integrity, Compassion, Justice, Empowerment, and Respect, guide everything we do.

WMQ's vision for reconciliation is for all people to stand unified in an equal and inclusive future. We commit to enhancing opportunities for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People and celebrating diversity. As part of our commitment to Reconciliation we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.