Chef

Respect Aged Care; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 79,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Job summary

Respect Aged Care in Oakey is seeking a Food Services Chef to lead the kitchen operations for a large aged care site. You will supervise a dedicated team, plan menus, prepare nutritious meals, and uphold high hygiene and safety standards.

This full-time role requires proven aged care cooking experience, a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or trade qualification, and the ability to work across all shifts. Benefits include not-for-profit salary packaging.

Qualifications

• Supervise daily kitchen operations in an aged care setting.
• Manage menu planning, food preparation, service and quality control.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene and WHS standards.
• Lead, roster and support kitchen staff to ensure smooth workflows.
• Demonstrated aged care cooking experience highly regarded.
• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or trade qualification.
• Current National Police Certificate and NDIS Check.
• Aged Care Worker Screening clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily kitchen operations delivering nutritious meals.
• Lead menu planning and inventory management.
• Ensure high standards of hygiene, safety and quality.
• Roster and support kitchen staff, fostering a positive team culture.
• Support adherence to WHS and cost control, with minimal waste.
• Full-time role, Monday to Friday with good work-life balance.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food safety

Menu planning

Education

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Trade Qualification

Job description

Are you a passionate and experienced cook looking to make a real impact in aged care? Respect Aged Care is currently seeking a Food Services Chef to join our hospitality team at McLean CWA House in Oakey. This is a Full-time position. We’re looking for someone with proven experience in aged care cooking for large sites. Flexibility to work across all shifts is essential.

About Us

Since 1922, Respect Aged Care has served older Australians through high-quality care and community. As a proud not-for-profit organisation, our focus is on giving back to older adults by fostering communities of belonging, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

With our headquarters on Tasmania’s northwest coast, we continue to grow - with numerous aged care homes, home care services across multiple states, and more than 700 units in retirement villages and independent living communities across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

About the Role

Looking for a leadership role where your skills truly make an impact?

As our Chef, you’ll lead the full operation of our aged care kitchen, guiding a dedicated team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that support the health and wellbeing of our residents.

You’ll take ownership of daily operations, including menu planning and food preparation, while ensuring the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and quality are consistently met. Experience as a Chef in aged care will be highly regarded and considered a strong advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily kitchen operations in an aged care setting, delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that meet resident needs
• Manage menu planning, food preparation, service, and quality control while maintaining strict food safety, hygiene, and WHS standards
• Order stock and manage inventory, suppliers, and cost control to ensure efficient kitchen operations and minimal waste
• Lead, roster, delegate, and support kitchen staff, ensuring effective workflows, coverage, and a positive team culture
• Previous experience as a Chef essential (aged care experience highly regarded) with relevant trade qualifications; full-time, Monday to Friday role offering excellent work-life balance
• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or Trade Qualification
• Demonstrated experience in hospitality.
• Experience in aged care cooking, particularly in large-scale settings
• Current National Police Certificate (or ability to obtain).
• NDIS Check
• Must meet Aged Care Worker Screening legislative requirements.

*The successful candidate will receive a base salary between the range of $79,000 - $85,000.

Why Join Respect?

• Supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Competitive salary with not-for-profit salary packaging benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of older Australians.