Childcare Centre Cook: Nutritious Meals & Safe Kitchen

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

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.