Cook

Affinity Education Group; Caloundra; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent role with Affinity Education

50% discount on childcare fees

Scholarships & fully funded PD

Affinity Learning Academy

30% discount on Goodlife Fitness & gym

TELUS Health wellbeing support

Discounts with retailers

Bupa health insurance benefits

Internal promotion opportunities

Job summary

Milestones Caloundra, part of Affinity Education Group, is seeking a Centre Cook to prepare nutritious meals for children and manage a high-volume kitchen. The role focuses on healthy eating, menu planning, and food education in a supportive childcare setting.

Join a national network of Affinity cooks and access to the Feed Australia Program for menu planning and nutrition support. A permanent role with opportunities for growth awaits.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing meals in high-volume environments.
• Organised, efficient, and passionate about healthy food.
• Understands children's nutritional requirements.
• Can confidently manage ordering, inventory, and kitchen operations.
• Maintains exceptional food safety standards.
• Builds positive relationships with children, families, colleagues.
• Brings a warm, positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks for children across all age groups.
• Create and implement seasonal menus that meet children's nutritional requirements.
• Manage food ordering, stock control, and kitchen budgets.
• Cater for allergies, dietary needs, and cultural requirements.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance.
• Engage with children and families by promoting healthy eating habits and food education.
• Work collaboratively with our centre team to support children's overall wellbeing.

Skills

High-volume cooking

Food safety

Menu planning

Inventory management

Team collaboration

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Nourish Little Minds Through Healthy Food and Meaningful Connections

At Milestones Caloundra, we know that healthy, nutritious meals play an important role in every child's learning, wellbeing, and development. We are seeking a passionate and organised Centre Cook to join our welcoming team and help create positive food experiences for our children every day.

This is more than a cooking role. It's an opportunity to make a real difference by preparing wholesome meals, supporting children's healthy habits, and becoming part of a community that values care, connection, and growth.

About Milestones Caloundra

Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Milestones Caloundra is a vibrant and supportive early learning centre where children are encouraged to learn, explore, and thrive. Our team is dedicated to creating a warm, engaging environment, and we are looking for a Cook who shares our passion for children's health and wellbeing.

About the Role

As our Centre Cook, you will:

• Prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks for children across all age groups
• Create and implement seasonal menus that meet children's nutritional requirements
• Manage food ordering, stock control, and kitchen budgets
• Cater for allergies, dietary needs, and cultural requirements
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance
• Engage with children and families by promoting healthy eating habits and food education
• Work collaboratively with our centre team to support children's overall wellbeing

You'll also enjoy access to a national network of Affinity cooks who regularly share recipes, ideas, and best practices, as well as the Feed Australia Program, providing menu planning tools and nutritional support.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience preparing meals in high-volume environments
• Is organised, efficient, and passionate about healthy food
• Understands children's nutritional requirements
• Can confidently manage ordering, inventory, and kitchen operations
• Takes pride in maintaining exceptional food safety standards
• Enjoys building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Brings a warm, positive attitude to every day

Essential Requirements

• Current Food Safety Supervisor and Food Handler qualifications
• Experience in commercial, hospitality, education, aged care, or childcare cooking environments
• Current First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
• Reliable transport
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (desirable)
• Previous experience in an early childhood setting (highly regarded)

Why Join Affinity Education?

At Affinity Education, our mission is to realise the potential in everyone. When you join our team, you'll be supported by a values-led organisation that invests in your growth and wellbeing.

Affinity Advantages include:

• Permanent role with one of Australia's largest childcare providers
• 50% discount on childcare fees from your first day
• Scholarships and fully funded professional development opportunities
• Access to the Affinity Learning Academy
• 30% discount on Goodlife Health Clubs and Fitness First memberships
• Access to wellbeing support through TELUS Health
• Discounts with over 100 leading retailers
• Bupa health insurance benefits
• Clear career progression opportunities across our national network
• A workplace where more than 80% of promotions are filled internally

Our Commitment to Child Safety

At Affinity Education, child safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to protecting the safety, wellbeing, and rights of every child in our care and maintain a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and harm.

Ready to Cook Up Something Special?

If you're passionate about creating nutritious meals, building healthy habits, and making a genuine difference in the lives of children, we'd love to hear from you.