Cook

Bar-B-Q Nations; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 72,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% Superannuation

Annual leave

Personal leave

Job summary

Bar-b-q Nation in Werribee, Australia, is seeking a qualified cook to join our high-volume kitchen team. You will ensure HACCP compliance, prepare diverse barbecue dishes, and mentor junior staff.

The role offers a 38-hour week, a fixed base salary of AU$79,500 per year plus 12% superannuation, and comprehensive leave entitlements. You will work full-time in a supportive environment focused on culinary excellence and food safety.

Qualifications

• AQF Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (incl. 2+ years on-the-job training) is required.
• AQF Certificate IV is preferred or equivalently three years of documented relevant commercial cookery experience.
• Fluent English required for safety-critical teamwork and communication.

Responsibilities

• Examine raw ingredients upon receipt for freshness and HACCP compliance.
• Monitor temperatures of ovens, grills, fryers, and other equipment to ensure quality and safety.
• Prepare, season, and cook diverse dishes following recipes and portion guidelines.
• Plate dishes with gravies, sauces, and garnishes for presentation.
• Cater to dietary requirements (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan).
• Store ingredients and cooked items in temperature-controlled rooms, rotate stock (FIFO).
• Assist in planning daily specials, estimating ingredient needs, and minimizing waste.
• Assist in training apprentices and junior staff in food prep and safety.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation across prep benches and stations.

Skills

Fluent English

Knife skills

Station organisation

High-volume service

Commercial cookery techniques

HACCP compliance

Education

AQF Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

AQF Certificate IV

3+ years relevant experience

Job description

Bar-b-q Nation (operated by Mahadev Hospitality) is an authentic dining destination located in Werribee, delivering rich, traditional barbeque flavours and memorable culinary experiences. We are currently seeking a passionate, reliable, and qualified cook (ANZSCO 351411) to join our dynamic kitchen team. Operating across peak lunch and dinner shifts, we offer a high-volume, collaborative environment for a skilled professional committed to culinary excellence and food safety standards.

What we offer:

• $79,500 base salary per annum (guaranteed on a standard 38-hour week, paid fortnightly) + 12% superannuation.
• Full-time permanent contract offering job security and statutory leave entitlements (annual leave, personal leave).
• Supportive kitchen culture with opportunities for ongoing career development and culinary skill enhancement.
• Opportunities for long-term career growth, professional advancement, and leadership development within our expanding culinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Examine raw foodstuffs, fresh produce, poultry, seafood, and meats upon receipt to verify freshness and strict adherence to HACCP hygiene protocols.
• Regulate and monitor operating temperatures of commercial ovens, grills, fryers, char-broilers, and other cooking equipment to maintain consistent cooking quality and safety.
• Prepare, season during the cooking process, and cook a wide variety of quality dishes in accordance with established kitchen recipes and portion guidelines.
• Accurately portion food, arrange items onto plates or serving platters, and add gravies, sauces, and garnishes to ensure proper presentation before table delivery.
• Prepare and cook modified dishes to safely cater to special dietary requirements, including severe food allergies, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan requests.
• Store raw ingredients, prepared batches, and cooked items in designated temperature-controlled cool rooms and freezers, adhering strictly to stock rotation (FIFO) guidelines.
• Assist senior kitchen management with planning daily specials, estimating ingredient requirements, monitoring inventory levels, and minimising food wastage.
• Assist in guiding and training apprentices, kitchen hands, and junior team members in food preparation techniques, kitchen cleanliness, and workplace safety.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation across all prep benches, cooking stations, and storage areas in compliance with state food safety and OHS standards.

Skill & Experience

• AQF Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (incorporating at least two years of on-the-job training), AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of documented relevant commercial cookery experience.
• Valid Food Handler / Food Safety Supervisor certification.
• Minimum of 1 to 2 years of relevant post-qualification commercial cookery experience in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, or catering setting.
• Strong command of commercial cookery techniques, station organisation, knife skills, and high-volume service delivery.
• Fluent English language proficiency, suitable for clear communication in safety-critical team environments and immigration compliance requirements.
• Ability to handle physical demands, stand for extended periods, and perform effectively under high-demand service periods.