Chef

Cortado Cafe; Lawson; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Cortado Cafe in Lawson, NSW is seeking a dedicated Chef to lead cafe-style menus across breakfast, lunch and baked items. This full-time, on-site role focuses on high standards of taste, presentation and consistency, with close collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house to ensure excellent guest experiences.

You will plan daily specials, manage portions, control costs, maintain food safety, and mentor team members during busy periods to deliver a warm, reliable dining experience for locals.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Chef or Cook in a cafe/restaurant or similar environment.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness standards, including NSW regulations.
• Ability to manage prep, service, and stock levels, including ordering and inventory control.
• Menu planning and creativity in developing dishes.
• Strong time management during peak periods.
• Effective communication and teamwork with front-of-house and kitchen staff.
• Reliability, professionalism, and a customer-focused mindset.
• Culinary qualifications or trade certificates are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Food preparation, cooking, plating and stock rotation.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen and comply with food safety regulations.
• Assist with menu development and daily specials; manage costs and waste.
• Coordinate service with cafe management and team during busy periods.

Skills

Breakfast & lunch cooking

Food safety knowledge

Inventory control

Menu planning

Time management

Communication & teamwork

Reliability & customer focus

Education

Culinary qualifications or trade certificates

Job description

Company Description

Cortado Cafe is a local cafe in Lawson, NSW, focused on providing a welcoming atmosphere and quality food and beverages to the community. The cafe aims to offer consistent, high-standard dishes and coffee, with friendly service and a relaxed environment. Team members are encouraged to collaborate, share ideas, and contribute to an enjoyable customer experience. The kitchen and front-of-house work closely together to ensure smooth operations and satisfied guests.

Role Description

The Chef is a full-time, on-site role based at Cortado Cafe in Lawson, NSW. The person in this role will plan and prepare cafe-style menus, including breakfast, lunch, and baked items, ensuring dishes meet quality, taste, and presentation standards. Day-to-day tasks include food preparation, cooking, plating, stock rotation, and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen that complies with food safety regulations. The Chef will assist with menu development, daily specials, and cost management, including portion control and waste reduction. This role works closely with cafe management and team members to coordinate service, manage busy periods, and provide a consistent, positive experience for guests.

Qualifications

• Professional experience as a Chef or Cook in a cafe, restaurant, or similar environment, with strong skills in breakfast, lunch, and light meals.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness standards, including compliance with relevant regulations in NSW.
• Ability to manage prep, service, and stock levels, including ordering, inventory control, and efficient use of ingredients.
• Menu planning and creativity in developing dishes, specials, and baked items that align with the cafe’s style and customer preferences.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to work efficiently during peak periods.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with a collaborative approach to working with front-of-house and other kitchen staff.
• Reliability, professionalism, and a customer-focused mindset, with attention to detail in taste and presentation.
• Culinary qualifications or trade certificates are an advantage, as is prior experience in a similar cafe environment.