Early Childhood Centre Cook/Chef

Little Genius Childcare and Kindergarten; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Little Genius Childcare and Kindergarten – Wheelers Hill VIC is seeking a passionate and organised Cook to join our new location. You will prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals daily, catering for dietary requirements and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

As part of the team, you will promote healthy eating, contribute to a welcoming environment for children and families, and work collaboratively with educators to support centre events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in food preparation or commercial kitchen environments.
• Knowledge of food safety and safe food handling practices.
• Genuine passion for providing healthy meals for young children.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious meals and snacks for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
• Cater for allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences, and dietary requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety Standards and health regulations.
• Monitor food stock levels and place orders as required.
• Maintain accurate food safety records and temperature logs.
• Work collaboratively with educators to support healthy eating initiatives and centre events.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Organisational skills

Education

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Working with Children Check

Job description

Little Genius Childcare and Kindergarten – Wheelers Hill VIC

Little Genius Childcare & Kindergarten is seeking a passionate and organised Cook to join our new location. This important role supports the health, wellbeing, and development of children by preparing nutritious, delicious, and age appropriate meals each day in accordance with dietary requirements, food safety standards, and centre policies.

As our Cook, you will play a key role in creating positive mealtime experiences, promoting healthy eating habits, and supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment for children, families, and educators.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook nutritious meals and snacks for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
• Cater for allergies, intolerances, cultural preferences, and dietary requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised kitchen environment.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety Standards and relevant health regulations.
• Monitor food stock levels and place orders as required.
• Maintain accurate food safety records and temperature logs.
• Work collaboratively with educators to support healthy eating initiatives and centre events.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A minimum of three years' experience in food preparation, catering or commercial kitchen environments, preferably within an early childhood education setting.
• Knowledge of food safety and safe food handling practices.
• A genuine passion for providing healthy meals for young children.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• The ability to work independently and manage daily kitchen operations.
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Current Working with Children Check.
• Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis training (or willingness to obtain).
• Understanding of allergy management and dietary requirements.