Part-Time Early Childhood Chef (Job-Share) – Nutritious Meals

Uts Child Care; Sydney; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

KU Union is seeking a part‑time Early Childhood Centre Cook to join a nurturing team in Darlington, Sydney. You will prepare meals for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, ensuring dietary requirements are met and food is cooked from scratch.

This role runs 8am–2:30pm, Monday to Friday, on a permanent part‑time basis. Join a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development, attractive leave provisions and staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Must have or be willing to obtain NSW Employee Working with Children Check.
• Hold a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
• Able to work Monday to Friday, 8am–2:30pm.
• Have right to work in Australia and provide two professional references.
• Be willing to complete a fitness for duties medical assessment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen on a day‑to‑day basis.
• Plan and prepare nutritious menus from scratch.
• Ensure health and safety standards are met at all times.
• Order stock from preferred suppliers of fruit, vegetables and groceries.
• Assist educators in small group experiences and cooking activities.

Skills

Food prep

Nutrition knowledge

Health & safety

Teamwork

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Early Childhood Centre Cook | KU Union (Darlington) - Permanent Part Time

Location: Darlington, Sydney, Australia

Contract: Permanent Part Time

Working Hours: 8am – 2:30pm (including an unpaid meal break), Monday to Friday.

Job Description

KU has been proudly recognised as an Employer of Choice for 10 consecutive years. This recognition reflects a workplace culture where people are supported to thrive, innovate and build meaningful, long‑term careers through investment in their future. KU is our place, where we all belong. A safe, calm community of children, families and educators. Side by side, we explore the world through many cultures and perspectives. KU children learn it’s OK to be different, and that we can all be different, together. We are proud to say that 95% of KU employees agree that we live our values!

Along with coaching and mentoring from experienced colleagues and a well‑resourced and environmentally responsible workplace, KU offers more benefits than any other employer in the sector, including:

• Generous annual pay increases
• 5 additional personal leave days for service‑based staff (pro rata)
• 20% employee discount of CCS Gap Fee within a KU Service
• Up to 15 weeks of KU paid parental leave
• Access to a variety of salary packaging options
• Access to KU Plus – an extensive Employee Benefits Program with access to discounts & cashback from over 400 retailers
• Access to our Health & Wellbeing portal – KU endorses a focus on holistic staff wellness
• Access to FREE professional learning – check out our learning hub
• An inclusive culture with a shared vision

KU Union is located on the edge of Sydney University and within walking distance from Redfern Station.

Theservice offers a welcoming and nurturing space where each child is immersed in a rich tapestry of educationally interactive experiences – including art, craft, literacy, numeracy, music, dance, song, games, stories & cooking.

The team are proud to have a special interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture which is incorporated into their program.

About the Role

We are looking for someone who is excited to share their skills and knowledge of food and nutrition with children between 6 weeks and 5 years old. This would suit someone who is confident in preparing meals from scratch, keeping in mind all dietary requirements and is looking to become a key part of our team.

On offer is a role that will see you working 8am – 2:30pm (including an unpaid meal break), Monday to Friday on a permanent part‑time basis.

Duties

• Managing the kitchen on a day-to-day basis
• Ensuring health and safety are always maintained at a very high standard
• Planning and preparing nutritious menus from scratch
• Ordering of stock (from preferred suppliers of fruit, vegetables, and groceries)
• Assisting educators in small group experiences with the children and introducing the wonderful world of cooking

Qualifications & Criteria

• Are available to work Monday to Friday, 8am – 2:30pm
• Hold or be willing to obtain a valid NSW Employee Working with Children Check
• Hold a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
• Have work rights that enable you to work in Australia
• Can provide two professional references from supervisors
• Are willing to complete a fitness for duties medical assessment

Company Commitment

KU is committed to social justice and human rights, inclusion and diversity, and equal employment opportunity. We recognise the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and promote their participation at KU.

KU Children’s Services is committed to being a child safe organisation. We put children’s safety and wellbeing at the centre of our practices. Child safety is a shared responsibility across the organisation. All KU staff contribute to maintaining our child safe culture and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children in our services and programs. KU has a zero tolerance of harm or abuse of children.

How This Skillset Fits In

By working at KU Union you will contribute to a culture that supports children’s development through safe, nutritious food, while engaging them in interactive learning experiences that foster creativity, healthy habits and respect for diverse cultures.

We value and celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. You will be part of a team that prioritises support, allyship, and professional development.