Cook

Excel Yarra Pty Ltd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 79,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Train Yard Café in Heidelberg, Victoria, is seeking a qualified and motivated Cook to join our kitchen team on a full-time basis. Our café offers a contemporary Australian breakfast and lunch menu and requires someone who can maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation and kitchen hygiene.

Key duties include preparing and cooking meals, using diverse methods, and ensuring timely service while upholding food safety procedures.

Qualifications

• AQF Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent.
• Experience working as a Cook in a café/restaurant/kitchen.
• Knowledge of food preparation methods and kitchen hygiene.
• Ability to prepare multiple orders efficiently while maintaining quality.
• Familiarity with commercial cooking equipment and safe handling procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present breakfast and lunch meals.
• Use grilling, roasting, frying, baking and smoking methods.
• Prepare ingredients, sauces and marinades for daily service.
• Operate kitchen appliances safely and efficiently.
• Ensure meals meet presentation standards and quality.

Skills

Formal cookery training

Cook in commercial kitchen

Food safety knowledge

Teamwork

Ability to work under pressure

Education

AQF Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Experience as a Cook

Job description

The Train Yard Café, a popular and established licensed café located on Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, is seeking a qualified and motivated Cook to join our kitchen team on a full-time basis.

Our café offers a contemporary Australian breakfast and lunch menu featuring fresh seasonal produce, café favourites and signature smoked BBQ dishes. We are looking for a reliable and enthusiastic individual who can maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation and kitchen hygiene in a busy hospitality environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Prepare, cook and present a variety of breakfast and lunch meals in accordance with the café's recipes and quality standards.

Use appropriate cooking methods, including grilling, roasting, frying, baking and smoking, to prepare menu items.

Prepare ingredients, sauces, marinades and accompaniments required for daily food service.

Operate commercial kitchen appliances and cooking equipment safely and efficiently.

Check the freshness and quality of ingredients before cooking and ensure meals meet established presentation standards.

Organise food preparation activities and manage cooking times to ensure efficient service during busy periods.

Maintain appropriate portion sizes, food consistency and presentation across all menu offerings.

Follow food safety regulations, hygiene procedures and safe food storage practices.

Monitor ingredient availability, rotate stock and assist with receiving and storing food deliveries.

Minimise food waste through appropriate food handling, portion control and stock management.

Maintain cleanliness and organisation of kitchen workstations, equipment and food preparation areas.

Assist with preparing meals for private functions, group bookings and special events.

Work cooperatively with other kitchen staff to maintain smooth daily operations.

Assist in guiding junior kitchen employees in basic cooking techniques and food safety practices when required.

Qualifications & Experience

AQF Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or an equivalent relevant qualification.

Relevant experience working as a Cook in a commercial kitchen, café or restaurant.

Sound knowledge of food preparation methods, cooking techniques and kitchen hygiene.

Ability to prepare multiple orders efficiently while maintaining consistent food quality.

Familiarity with commercial cooking equipment and safe food handling procedures.

Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively within a team.

Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume outlining their qualifications, relevant cooking experience and suitability for the position.

About Company

The Train Yard Café is a well-established, licensed café and event venue conveniently located on Burgundy Street in Heidelberg, Victoria. Renowned for its spacious industrial-chic interior, contemporary design and welcoming community atmosphere, the café provides a unique dining experience for local residents, families, professionals and visitors. The business specialises in offering a modern Australian breakfast and lunch menu, prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients and quality produce. Its diverse menu features a combination of traditional café favourites, contemporary dishes and signature house-smoked BBQ meats prepared using the café’s Radar Hill smoker. The Train Yard Café also serves premium specialty coffee supplied by Axil Coffee Roasters, providing customers with a high-quality café experience.

The premises feature a sunny front courtyard, spacious indoor dining areas, a vibrant rear beer garden and private dining facilities. These versatile spaces allow the business to accommodate a wide range of customers, from individuals seeking a casual coffee or meal to families, larger groups and corporate gatherings. Through its combination of daily café operations, specialty coffee, freshly prepared meals, licensed beverage services and private event catering, The Train Yard Café operates as a versatile hospitality business serving a diverse customer base.

Trading Hours

Monday-Friday 6:30AM- 2:30PM
Saturday-Sunday 7:30AM- 2:30PM

Nature of Business: Licensed Café, Restaurant, Hospitality and Private Function Venue

Work Type: Full time

Salary: $79000-80000