Full-Time Chef – Busy Bees at Port Melbourne

Busy Bees; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant childcare centre in Port Melbourne is seeking a dedicated Full-Time Chef to prepare nutritious meals for children. You will manage kitchen operations, plan seasonal menus, and ensure the highest standards of food safety. The ideal candidate will hold a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and possess strong organizational skills. This role offers competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth within the Busy Bees network.

Benefits

Competitive pay rate

Laundry allowance

Employee Assistance Program

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Valid Working with Children Check.
• Experience in managing dietary needs for children.
• Ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals for children.
• Plan seasonal menus considering dietary requirements.
• Maintain food safety standards.
• Manage kitchen operations effectively.

Skills

Knowledge of HACCP

Food safety regulations

Menu management for children

Organizational skills

Passion for child-friendly meals

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Tools

Food Handling Certificate

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Job description

Full-Time Chef – Busy Bees at Port Melbourne

Location: Port Melbourne, VIC
Licensed Capacity: 128 places
Hourly Rate: $30.93 (Support Worker 3.1 – Children’s Services Award)

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Full-Time Chef to join our team at Busy Bees at Port Melbourne. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious and delicious meals for children, catering to a range of dietary needs, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and hygiene in our centre kitchen.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and serving healthy, balanced meals and snacks for children in line with nutrition guidelines
• Planning seasonal menus that cater to dietary, allergy, and cultural requirements
• Maintaining compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards
• Managing kitchen operations including stock ordering, rotation, and storage
• Supporting centre events and family engagement activities through food service
• Working independently as the sole Chef in the kitchen

What You’ll Need

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent qualification)
• Current VIC Working with Children Check (Employee)
• Valid Food Handling / Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety regulations for childcare settings
• Experience managing menus for children, including allergies and intolerances
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently
• A passion for creating healthy, child-friendly meals

At Busy Bees, we value our people and their contributions. As a Chef, you will enjoy:

• Competitive pay rate: $30.93 per hour (Support Worker 3.1 – Children’s Services Award)
• Laundry allowance in addition to salary
• Supportive and collaborative centre team environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for wellbeing support
• Opportunities for professional growth within the Busy Bees network
• The chance to make a real impact on children’s health and wellbeing

Apply Now

If you are a dedicated and enthusiastic Chef with a passion for children’s nutrition, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to join the Busy Bees at Port Melbourne team and help provide the best start in life for children.