Commis chef

Estelle Pty Ltd; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Estelle Pty Ltd in Northcote, Victoria seeks a motivated Commis Chef to join our culinary team in a full-time role. You will work closely with experienced chefs, gaining hands-on experience across stations, assisting with prep, cooking and plating while upholding high standards of quality and safety.

You will be supported to develop skills in a dynamic hospitality environment, with opportunities for growth, mentorship from senior staff and a positive team culture.

Qualifications

• Completed culinary qualifications or training (Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery).
• Foundational knowledge of food prep, cooking techniques and kitchen operations.
• Strong food safety and hygiene understanding; health regulations adherence.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen; maintain composure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food to established recipes and standards.
• Assist in ingredient prep; washing, peeling, chopping and portioning.
• Support senior chefs across stations and learn various techniques.
• Maintain clean, organized workstation per health and safety rules.
• Follow food safety protocols including storage and temperature control.
• Collaborate with kitchen team to ensure smooth service during busy periods.
• Rotate stock and report shortages or quality issues to senior staff.
• Assist with plating and presentation to meet restaurant standards.
• Take feedback from senior chefs to continuously improve skills.

Skills

Food prep basics

Kitchen operations knowledge

Safety & hygiene awareness

Calm under pressure

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Reliability & punctuality

Education

Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Commis Chef to join the culinary team at Estelle in Northcote, Victoria. This is a full-time position offering an exciting opportunity to develop your culinary skills in a dynamic hospitality environment. You will work alongside experienced chefs, contributing to the creation of high-quality dishes whilst gaining invaluable experience in a professional kitchen. This role is essential to our kitchen operations, supporting our head chefs and senior kitchen staff in delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food items according to established recipes and culinary standards, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish
• Assist in the preparation of ingredients, including washing, peeling, chopping and portioning to ensure efficiency in kitchen operations
• Support senior chefs in various stations within the kitchen, learning and developing expertise across different culinary techniques
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of your assigned workstation and kitchen areas in accordance with health and safety regulations
• Follow all food safety and hygiene protocols, including proper food storage, temperature control and cross-contamination prevention
• Collaborate with fellow kitchen team members to ensure smooth workflow and timely food service during service periods
• Monitor and rotate stock appropriately, reporting any shortages or quality issues to senior staff
• Assist with plating and presentation of dishes to ensure they meet the restaurant's standards
• Respond positively to feedback and guidance from senior chefs, continuously improving your skills and knowledge

What we’re looking for

• Completed culinary qualifications or relevant training (such as a Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent)
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques and kitchen operations
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene standards and health regulations
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced kitchen environment, remaining calm under pressure
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high‑quality standards
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach to working within a team
• Physical stamina and the ability to stand for extended periods whilst performing manual tasks
• Genuine passion for cooking and enthusiasm for learning from experienced culinary professionals
• Reliable and punctual with a professional work ethic
• Preferred: Experience working in a commercial kitchen or hospitality setting
• Preferred: Knowledge of contemporary cooking methods and current food trends

What we offer

Estelle is committed to supporting the professional development of our team members. We provide opportunities to work alongside skilled and experienced chefs, offering mentorship and the chance to expand your culinary expertise. We foster a supportive and inclusive kitchen culture where your contributions are valued and your growth is encouraged. Our team benefits from a positive workplace environment, staff meals, and the satisfaction of creating memorable dining experiences for our guests. We believe in maintaining a healthy work‑life balance and encourage our team to bring their best selves to work each day.

About us

Estelle is a respected hospitality establishment located in Northcote, dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences. We pride ourselves on our commitment to culinary excellence, quality ingredients and outstanding customer service. Our restaurant is a dynamic and welcoming space where creativity meets tradition, and where our team is passionate about creating memorable moments for our guests. We value integrity, innovation and a genuine commitment to hospitality, making Estelle an inspiring place to build a career in the culinary arts.

If you are a motivated and enthusiastic chef ready to develop your culinary career, we would love to hear from you.