ECE Centre Cook (BestStart Queenstown)

QJumpers Recruitment Services; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A vibrant childcare center in Queenstown is seeking a passionate Centre Cook to provide nutritious meals for children. This permanent, part-time role involves meal planning, preparation, and ensuring food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have cooking experience and a love for healthy, child-friendly food.

Benefits

Access to Whare Ako – online learning platform

Professional development support

Discounted childcare

Subsidised Southern Cross health insurance

Free annual flu vaccinations

Confidential counselling support via EAP

Sick leave from your first day

An extra week of leave after 10 years of service

Qualifications

• Previous experience in cooking or a similar food service role is essential.
• Experience working with children is a bonus.
• Good understanding of allergies and dietary needs.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and cook healthy and culturally diverse meals for children.
• Ensure all meals meet the nutritional needs of young children.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, food safety, and cleanliness in the kitchen.

Skills

Cooking

Food Safety

Child Interaction

Menu Planning

Job description

BestStart Queenstown is on the lookout for a passionate and dedicated Centre Cook to join our vibrant and close-knit team. Located in the heart of Queenstown, our centre thrives on strong relationships with whānau and our wider community.

About the Role:

We are seeking someone who can provide fresh, nutritious, and appealing meals for our children each day. The kitchen is centrally located in the centre, so you’ll need to be comfortable interacting with children, answering questions from our tamariki, and being part of the daily buzz.

This is a permanent position, working 30 hours per week, Monday - Friday with flexible hours. Ideally, we’d love someone who can start around 7.30am, but we can offer flexibility for the right person.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and cook healthy and culturally diverse meals for children, including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
• Ensure all meals meet the nutritional needs of young children
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, food safety, and cleanliness in the kitchen
• Manage food ordering within budget and keep records as needed
• Engage with children positively as you work in an open, child-friendly kitchen environment

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous experience in cooking or a similar food service role is essential
• Experience working with children is a bonus
• A passion for healthy, child-friendly food
• Good understanding of allergies and dietary needs
• Familiarity with health and safety standards in a kitchen
• Confidence with basic computer tasks, such as menu planning and placing orders

What We Offer:

• Access to Whare Ako – our online learning platform
• Professional development support if you wish to advance your career
• $2000 referral bonus if you refer a qualified teacher*
• Discounted childcare

Health and wellbeing benefits including:

• Subsidised Southern Cross health insurance*
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Confidential counselling support via EAP
• Sick leave from your first day
• An extra week of leave after 10 years of service

How to Apply: Click Apply Now to join a supportive team where collaboration, care, and a passion for learning are at the heart of everything we do.

Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.