Experienced cook wanted

Work Initiatives; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free staff meals

Drinks on shift

Job summary

Saigon Allee Restaurant in Ballarat, VIC is seeking an experienced full-time Cook to join the team. This hands-on role ensures authentic Vietnamese dishes are prepared to a high standard in a busy kitchen.

You will inspect ingredients, cook to recipes, manage stations, and collaborate with front-of-house to deliver excellent service. OH&S compliant, with a 6-day rotating roster including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or above.
• Minimum 3 years of cooking experience.
• Experience in a hands-on Vietnamese-style kitchen.
• OH&S awareness.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as within a team.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible availability over a 6-day rotating roster, including nights & weekends.
• Creative and passionate about food and providing high standards to ensure food quality & taste.
• Nice work-life balance.
• Free staff meals and drinks whilst on shift.
• Be part of a high-performing and supportive team environment.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and select fresh ingredients daily, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance with food safety standards.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes in accordance with established recipes and service standards.
• Operate and regulate temperatures of grills, fryers, ovens, and other kitchen equipment to ensure efficient and safe food preparation during peak service periods.
• Season and cook food to maintain consistent flavour and presentation standards across all menu items.
• Portion, plate, and present dishes, including the preparation of sauces, dressings, and garnishes.
• Manage the entrée section and other stations as required, ensuring timely service and minimal wastage.
• Store food in temperature-controlled facilities and monitor stock rotation (FIFO) to maintain freshness and reduce waste.
• Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free, allergen-aware orders).
• Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen in line with food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Work collaboratively with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Organisation

Pressure handling

Autonomy

Creativity

Multitasking

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

We are looking for an experienced, full-time Cook to join our team at Saigon Allee Restaurant in Ballarat, VIC. This is a hands-on role where you will ensure the food offered is delivered to an exceptional standard. Saigon Allee Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Located in the Armstrong dining precinct, our restaurant brings together the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam with a modern twist, all within a stylish industrial setting.

Key responsibilities

• Inspect and select fresh ingredients daily, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance with food safety standards.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes in accordance with established recipes and service standards.
• Operate and regulate temperatures of grills, fryers, ovens, and other kitchen equipment to ensure efficient and safe food preparation during peak service periods.
• Season and cook food to maintain consistent flavour and presentation standards across all menu items.
• Portion, plate, and present dishes, including the preparation of sauces, dressings, and garnishes.
• Manage the entrée section and other stations as required, ensuring timely service and minimal wastage.
• Store food in temperature-controlled facilities and monitor stock rotation (FIFO) to maintain freshness and reduce waste.
• Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free, allergen-aware orders).
• Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen in line with food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Work collaboratively with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.

About you

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or above in the relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years of previous cooking experience in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Experience working in a hands-on, team-focused Vietnamese-style kitchen.
• Awareness of Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S).
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as within a team.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible availability over a 6-day rotating roster, including nights & weekends.
• Creative and passionate about food and providing high standards to ensure food quality & taste.
• Nice work-life balance.
• Free staff meals and drinks whilst on shift.
• Be part of a high-performing and supportive team environment.

About us

Saigon Allee Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant, and we pride ourselves on serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Located in the Armstrong dining precinct, our restaurant brings together the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam with a modern twist, all within a stylish industrial setting. We are always looking to deliver unique and appetising dishes.