Childcare Centre Cook

Botanica Early Learning Centre; Geelong; On-site; AUD 58,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Botanica Early Learning Centre is seeking a reliable Centre Cook in Highton, Geelong, to prepare daily meals and snacks that cater to dietary requirements and allergies, supporting children's health and wellbeing. You will work independently in a busy kitchen, manage daily operations and ensure meals are delivered on schedule while collaborating with educators and management to meet nutritional guidelines.

You will ensure strict allergen management, maintain food safety records, and follow

Qualifications

• Experience as a cook in childcare or large-scale food preparation.
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and allergen handling.
• Food Safety Supervisor certification or willingness to obtain.
• Working with Children Check (Victoria) or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced and age-appropriate meals and snacks.
• Prepare meals for children with allergies and dietary requirements with allergen management.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness per Victorian regulations.
• Complete daily food safety documentation and temperature monitoring.
• Manage food ordering, stock control, labeling and rotation to minimise waste.
• Ensure meals are delivered to classrooms according to the daily schedule.
• Follow safe food handling practices during storage, preparation and cooking.
• Collaborate with educators and management to accommodate dietary needs.
• Participate in kitchen inspections, audits and continuous improvement.

Skills

Allergen management

Food safety

WWCC

Time management

Team collaboration

Job description

Botanica Early Learning Centre – Highton VIC

Botanica Early Learning Centre is seeking a reliable, organised and passionate Childcare Centre Cook to join our friendly and supportive team. As our Centre Cook, you will play an important role in supporting children's health, nutrition and wellbeing by preparing daily meals and snacks that cater to a variety of dietary requirements, allergies and cultural preferences. The successful applicant will be confident working independently, managing daily kitchen operations efficiently and collaborating with educators and management to ensure meals are prepared and delivered on schedule.

Key responsibilities

Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced and age-appropriate meals and snacks in accordance with the centre's menu and nutritional guidelines.

Prepare meals for children with allergies, intolerances, medical dietary requirements and cultural or religious food preferences, ensuring strict allergen management procedures are followed.

Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness in accordance with Victorian food safety regulations.

Complete daily food safety documentation, including temperature monitoring, food storage records, cleaning schedules and other required compliance records.

Manage food ordering, stock control, food labelling and stock rotation to minimise waste and maintain freshness.

Ensure meals and snacks are prepared and delivered to classrooms according to the centre's daily meal schedule.

Maintain a clean, organised and hygienic kitchen, including equipment, appliances, food preparation areas and storage spaces.

Follow safe food handling practices, including correct food storage, preparation, cooking, cooling and reheating procedures.

Work collaboratively with educators and management to accommodate children's individual dietary needs and communicate any food-related concerns.

Participate in kitchen inspections, food safety audits and continuous improvement practices.

About you

Previous experience working as a cook, preferably within a childcare centre or similar large-scale food preparation environment.

A sound understanding of food safety, hygiene and safe food handling practices.

Knowledge and experience in managing food allergies, intolerances and special dietary requirements.

Food Safety Supervisor certification recognised in Victoria, or willingness to obtain the required qualification.

Current Working with Children Check (Employee) or willingness to obtain one.

Good organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.

Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and maintain kitchen routines.

Strong attention to detail, particularly in relation to allergen management, food safety documentation and kitchen cleanliness.

Good communication skills and a positive, cooperative approach to teamwork.

A genuine interest in children's nutrition and wellbeing.

About us

Botanica Early Learning Centre is a privately operated early childhood education and care service located in Highton, Geelong. We are committed to providing high-quality education and care in a warm, inclusive and nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported and valued. Our dedicated team of educators and support staff work together to create positive experiences for children and families. We believe nutritious food, safe food practices and enjoyable mealtimes are essential parts of children's overall wellbeing and development.

A welcoming, friendly and supportive working environment.

A collaborative team culture where your contribution is valued.

Consistent working hours within a childcare setting.

A well-established centre with clear kitchen procedures and routines.

The opportunity to make a positive difference in children's health and wellbeing every day.