Childcare Centre Cook

Yarra Ranges Council; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Novated lease vehicle options

Hybrid working arrangements

Generous leave options (caregiver and…

Job summary

Yarra Ranges Council, serving Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre, seeks a full-time Childcare Centre Cook to plan nutritious menus, cook meals and care for dietary needs. You will partner with educators and families to deliver a safe, inclusive food program.

You will uphold high food safety standards, maintain records, manage stock and kitchen supplies, and support compliant operations while working in a hybrid environment that supports work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing and cooking meals in a commercial kitchen, childcare setting or similar environment.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices and food safety requirements.
• Experience planning nutritious menus for a range of dietary, cultural and allergy-related needs.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation relating to food safety and kitchen operations.
• Experience managing food ordering, stock control and kitchen supplies in a cost-effective manner.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and daily meal schedules.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Well-developed communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan nutritious weekly menus and prepare/serve meals and snacks for children from birth to school age.
• Ensure all food meets dietary, cultural and developmental needs and maintain safety standards.
• Collaborate with educators, leaders and families to deliver a safe, inclusive food program.
• Maintain food safety records, monitor storage/handling practices and ensure equipment and supplies are managed.
• Support compliance with food safety requirements and keep the kitchen efficient and compliant.

Skills

Commercial cookery

Food safety

Menu planning

Stock control

Records management

Organisational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Childcare setting

Education

Trade qualification in commercial cookery

Job description

As the Childcare Centre Cook, you will play an important role in supporting the health, wellbeing and daily experiences of children at Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre. You will plan nutritious weekly menus, prepare and serve meals and snacks, and ensure all food provided meets the dietary, cultural and developmental needs of children from birth to school age. You will work closely with educators, leaders and families to deliver a safe, inclusive and enjoyable food program.

You will also be responsible for maintaining high food safety standards and ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently and safely. This includes managing food safety records, monitoring food storage and handling practices, maintaining kitchen equipment and supplies, and supporting compliance with food safety requirements. Success in this role means children receive nutritious meals, dietary needs are consistently met, and the kitchen remains safe, organised and compliant

• This is a full-time permanent (38 hours per week) band 3 role with a salary range between $70,475 and $73,306 per annum, plus superannuation.
• Support work-life balance with your choice of monthly or fortnightly rostered day off and hybrid working arrangements.
• 20 weeks paid primary caregiver leave (6 weeks for secondary caregivers) plus other generous leave options such as volunteer leave, family planning and menstrual and menopause leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and to take on temporary roles in other teams to grow your skills and experience.
• Novated lease vehicle options.

Experience and skills we're looking for

• Experience preparing and cooking meals in a commercial kitchen, childcare setting or similar environment.
• Knowledge of safe food handling practices and food safety requirements.
• Experience planning nutritious menus for a range of dietary, cultural and allergy-related needs.
• The ability to maintain accurate records and documentation relating to food safety and kitchen operations.
• Experience managing food ordering, stock control and kitchen supplies in a cost-effective manner.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and daily meal schedules.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Well-developed communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• A commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen environment.
• A trade qualification in commercial cookery, food preparation or a related field is highly regarded but not essential.

If you have some but not all these skills or experience, we still encourage you to apply. Especially if you have the right attitude and willingness to learn.

Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday the 1st of November, 2026.

Applicants who progress past the interview stage must complete pre-employment checks. These checks will include a Police Check, Working with Children Check, Medical Check.

About Yarra Ranges Council

Yarra Ranges Council committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. We encourage people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities to apply for jobs with us. We support flexible work arrangements, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options to meet your needs and suit your life.

Yarra Ranges Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. We are committed to protecting children from abuse in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.