Cook - Casual

Aequra; Sydney; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Aequra is seeking an experienced Cook to join our aged care kitchen, delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that respect residents' dietary needs. You will lead kitchen activities, ensure safety, hygiene, and efficient service, and support continuous improvement within the catering operation.

Ideal candidates hold Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery, have at least two years' relevant experience in aged care, and possess a current National Police Check.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience as a cook in aged care or similar setting
• Certifications in Commercial Cookery (Cert III/IV) with apprenticeship or full-time experience
• Knowledge of dietary and nutritional requirements for older adults
• Excellent organisational, time management and kitchen leadership skills
• Strong interpersonal, communication and customer service abilities
• Current National Police Check or equivalent clearance

Responsibilities

• Ensure residents receive high quality meals that meet dietary requirements and are served on time
• Supervise and support kitchen staff with instruction and coaching on safe food handling
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, stock control, and records for audits and quality improvement
• Collaborate with management to continuously improve food service delivery

Skills

Cooking

Food safety

Time management

Communication

Customer service

Quality management

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Aequra started its journey in aged care over 40 years ago, focusing on providing exceptional care for our residents. In this time, we have expanded our footprint and acquired additional residential facilities, and are working towards becoming one of Australia’s leading family-owned boutique residential aged care providers.In 2026, we won a 5-Star Employer of Choice Award by HRD Magazine!

Aequra's Values represent the attributes we want our team members to demonstrate - Kindness, Vitality, Variety, Honesty and Excellence. We encourage everyone to bring their authentic self to work every day.

If these values resonate with you, read on!

About the Role

The dining experience is an integral part of the Residents' daily routine. The Cook is responsible for ensuring a delicious, appealing and nutritious, yet safe, effective and efficient food service that enhance the quality of life of residents and complies with legislative requirements and published standards relating to catering in aged care facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure residents receive high-quality meals that meet their individual cultural, religious, medical, and dietary requirements, with meals served on time in a friendly, efficient manner and a flexible food service available, including after-hours access where required.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff by providing instruction, guidance, and ongoing coaching to ensure food is prepared, cooked, served, and stored safely in compliance with relevant food safety standards, regulations, and sanitation requirements.
• Monitor catering operations by maintaining food safety practices, sanitation standards, stock control, and accurate catering records to support compliance, audits, and continuous quality improvement.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with management and staff to promote collaboration, identify best practices, and drive continuous improvement in food service delivery.

Key Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a Cook, within an aged care environment.
• Hold a Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent), with a minimum of three years' experience gained through a formal apprenticeship or full-time employment as a cook, together with previous experience managing a kitchen, preferably within an aged care environment.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of the dietary and nutritional requirements of older people, with excellent cooking skills and a strong understanding of food preparation techniques and ingredients.
• Possess outstanding organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining high standards of food quality and service.
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills, along with a commitment to quality management, continuous improvement, and ongoing professional development.
• Hold a current National Police Check clearance and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining professional and regulatory standards.
• Experience in catering for residents living with dementia or in a memory support unit
• Awards for cooking achievements