Head Chef

MA MISSION AUSTRALIA; Orange City Council; On-site; AUD 88,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Counselling service

Volunteering opportunities

Extra leave

Job summary

Mission Australia in Orange, NSW is seeking an experienced Cook to lead meals in a 60-bed aged care facility. You will plan menus, order stock, manage budgets and supervise kitchen staff while ensuring NSW Health, Food Authority and HACCP standards are met.

You will engage with residents and care teams to tailor meals to dietary needs, maintain strong hygiene practices and contribute to continuous improvement. National police checks and vaccinations may be required.

Qualifications

• Formal qualification in Commercial Cookery or equivalent catering experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety programs, HACCP and WHS practices.
• Understanding of Vulnerable Persons Food Safety requirements.
• Ability to plan menus, manage budgets and prepare meals for varied dietary needs.
• Experience supervising and supporting a small team.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver nutritious meals in line with NSW Health, NSW Food Authority, accreditation standards and budget requirements.
• Manage menu planning, food ordering, stock control and kitchen equipment inventory.
• Monitor food costs, maintain accurate documentation and comply with food safety requirements.
• Oversee the safe handling, storage and disposal of food, chemicals and equipment.
• Actively contribute to CQI, WHS and HACCP meetings and initiatives.
• Identify risks, report incidents and recommend opportunities for improvement.
• Supervise, support and train kitchen staff to maintain high standards.
• Foster open communication, teamwork and continuous learning.
• Maintain the security and safety of the kitchen environment and promptly report concerns.

Skills

Menu planning

Budgeting

Team supervision

Communication

Problem solving

Food safety HACCP

WHS practices

Education

Formal qualification in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Permanent Full Time | 38 hours/week Location: Orange, NSW 2800 Salary: $98K + Super + NFP Salary Packaging

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together, we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Mission Australia supports vulnerable older Australians to age with dignity, safety and care. Our 60-bed residential aged care facility provides essential care and support to older people in our community, including those who may be at risk of homelessness.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Plan, prepare and deliver nutritious meals in line with NSW Health, NSW Food Authority, accreditation standards and budget requirements
• Manage menu planning, food ordering, stock control and kitchen equipment inventory
• Monitor food costs, maintain accurate documentation and comply with food safety requirements
• Oversee the safe handling, storage and disposal of food, chemicals and equipment
• Actively contribute to CQI, WHS and HACCP meetings and initiatives
• Identify risks, report incidents and recommend opportunities for improvement
• Supervise, support and train kitchen staff to maintain high standards
• Foster open communication, teamwork and continuous learning
• Maintain the security and safety of the kitchen environment and promptly report concerns

Requirements for Success

• Formal qualification in Commercial Cookery or equivalent catering experience, with aged care or health sector experience highly regarded
• Strong knowledge of food safety programs, HACCP and WHS practices
• Understanding of Vulnerable Persons Food Safety requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to plan menus, manage budgets and prepare meals for people with varied dietary requirements
• Experience supervising and supporting a small team
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to continuous improvement and delivering high-quality service
• Yearly flu vaccination and COVID vaccination (recommended but not essential)

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, referee checks and work right checks.

Your benefits

• Rewarding work where you can make a real difference every day
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, helping reduce your taxable income through AccessPay
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Extra leave, including an additional public holiday, an additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave

Our culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career. We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and actively encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you are welcome at Mission Australia. If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email [e-mail] or visit our Careers page for additional contact details. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact [e-mail].

About Mission Australia

Mission Australia is a national Christian charity motivated by a shared vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive. Since 1859, we’ve been standing alongside people in need across Australia, offering real hope that has lasting impact. Backed by our supporters, churches, partners, and funders, we work together for the long-term wellbeing of anyone who needs us, reflecting our values of respect, compassion, integrity, perseverance and celebration. We collaborate with people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage to tackle the root causes of their challenges through providing access to safe, affordable homes and innovative, evidence-based support services. Every day we deliver homelessness crisis and prevention services, provide social and affordable housing, assist struggling families and children, address mental health issues, fight substance dependencies, support people with disability and much more. Mission Australia believes a person’s circumstances shouldn’t define their future and that given the right support, everyone can reach their full potential. That’s why we stand together with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves. Learn more about Mission Australia and our purpose.