Chef Early Childhood

Little Zaks; Richmond; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 50% childcare discount

$1,000 staff referral bonus

Career development programs

Study allowances

Job summary

Little Zak’s Academy in Richmond is seeking a Full-Time Chef to fuel our four-week rotating menu with wholesome, tasty meals for our little learners. You’ll work in a warm, values-driven team and help design seasonal menus.

The role requires a hospitality or nutrition qualification, food safety and welfare checks, and a positive, team-oriented approach. We offer flexible work-life balance, staff discounts, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Qualification in hospitality, commercial cookery, nutrition, or early childhood education.
• Ability to work confidently in a large, busy centre.
• Previous childcare/aged care experience preferred but not essential.
• Strong knowledge of menu planning and allergy management.
• Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain one).
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain one).

Responsibilities

• Prepare morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for a 4-week rotating menu.
• Cater to special dietary, allergy and cultural needs.
• Maintain safe and hygienic food handling, storage and preparation.
• Manage ordering, deliveries and stock within budget.
• Collaborate with Centre Director to design seasonal menus.
• Bring a positive, team-oriented attitude to interactions with children and educators.

Skills

Menu planning

Allergy management

Team attitude

Healthy food knowledge

Education

Hospitality / commercial cookery / nutrition / early childhood education

Tools

Working with Children Check

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

First Aid Certificate

Job description

Monday - Friday with set hours, enjoy a great work-life balance with no weekends

Chef - Richmond

Bring your passion for nutritious food and community to our Little Zak’s family!

Our Richmond centre is on the lookout for a Full-Time Chef who loves preparing wholesome, delicious meals and wants to be part of a warm, values-driven team.

About the Role

You’ll be the heart of our kitchen, fueling our little learners with healthy and tasty meals each day. Your key responsibilities include:

• Preparing morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea for our 4-week rotating menu.
• Catering for special dietary, allergy, and cultural needs with care.
• Maintaining safe and hygienic food handling, storage, and preparation practices.
• Managing ordering, deliveries, and stock control within budget.
• Collaborating with Centre Director to design and refine a wholesome, seasonal menu.
• Bringing a positive, team-oriented attitude to your daily interactions with children and educators.

About You

We’re looking for someone who’s as passionate about healthy food as they are about community! Ideally, you’ll have:

• A qualification in hospitality, commercial cookery, nutrition, or early childhood education.
• Ability to work confidently in a large, busy centre.
• Previous experience in a childcare, aged care, or similar setting (preferred but not essential).
• Strong menu planning and allergy management knowledge.
• A Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain one).
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain one).

Why You’ll Love Working with Little Zak’s

• Up to 50% childcare discount for your own children.
• $1,000 staff referral bonus for every successful hire.
• Career development programs and study allowances (including support for ECT degrees).
• Mentoring and leadership support from our experienced management team.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for your wellbeing.

Little Zak’s Academy is a privately owned, family-run early learning group that’s been nurturing young minds for over 30 years. We’re dedicated to creating safe, welcoming, and nurturing environments where both children and educators thrive.

Little Zak's Child Safety Commitment

Little Zak’s is a Child Safe Organisation.

We prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and rights of all children and maintain a strong culture of child safety across our services. As part of our commitment, we have a rigorous recruitment and screening process in place, including comprehensive reference checks, Police checks and child-safe employment checks.

By applying for a role with Little Zak’s, you acknowledge and agree to undergo all required child safety checks as part of our employment process.

We are an equal opportunity workplace where diversity is embraced. We foster a culture that supports inclusion and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

If you’re ready to join a supportive, family-oriented team and make a real difference every day — we’d love to hear from you!