About the Role

We are looking for a capable and motivated Cook who can confidently work in a fast-paced café kitchen and consistently prepare meals to our established standards. The successful candidate will be involved in the day-to-day preparation, cooking, portioning and presentation of menu items while ensuring food quality, hygiene and safe food-handling practices are maintained.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Inspecting fresh produce, meats, dairy products and other ingredients before preparation to ensure they meet the café's required standards for freshness and quality.
• Preparing ingredients for daily service by washing, peeling, cutting, chopping, measuring, mixing and portioning food as required.
• Preparing, seasoning and cooking a variety of breakfast, brunch and café-style dishes in accordance with established recipes and customer orders.
• Operating ovens, grills, hotplates and other commercial kitchen equipment and regulating cooking temperatures and times to achieve consistent results.
• Monitoring food throughout the cooking process to ensure meals are properly cooked and meet expected standards of taste, texture and appearance.
• Portioning and plating meals appropriately and finishing dishes with sauces, accompaniments and garnishes before service.
• Preparing food in accordance with customers' special dietary requirements and communicating appropriately with other kitchen staff regarding allergies or dietary requests.
• Correctly storing prepared and raw food in temperature-controlled facilities and following appropriate food rotation and stock-handling procedures.
• Monitoring food supplies used during daily service and assisting with estimating ingredient and food requirements to minimise shortages and unnecessary wastage.
• Maintaining a clean, organised and hygienic workstation and ensuring cooking utensils and kitchen equipment are cleaned and maintained appropriately.
• Working cooperatively with other kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure customer orders are prepared accurately and within appropriate service times.
• Assisting, where required, with the guidance and training of junior kitchen staff in food preparation, cooking techniques and safe kitchen practices.
• Following the café's food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety procedures at all times.

Qualifications and Experience

• AQF Certificate III in Commercial Cookery with appropriate on-the-job training, Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Alternatively, at least three years of relevant industry experience may be considered in place of the formal qualification.
• Relevant practical experience working as a Cook within a café, restaurant or similar commercial kitchen environment.
• Sound knowledge of food preparation, seasoning and commercial cooking techniques.
• Experience using commercial ovens, grills, hotplates and other kitchen equipment safely and effectively.
• Good understanding of food safety, hygiene, temperature control and safe food-storage practices.
• Ability to maintain consistent portion sizes, presentation and food quality during busy service periods.
• Ability to prepare meals for customers with specific dietary requirements.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple orders in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a kitchen team.
• A reliable, professional and quality-focused approach to work.
• Flexibility to work across the café's operational roster, including weekends and public holidays where required.

What We Offer

• Annual salary of $80,000 plus superannuation
• Permanent, full-time employment
• A busy and established café environment
• Opportunity to work with an experienced and supportive team
• A role that provides hands-on involvement across food preparation, cooking and service
• Opportunity to further develop commercial cookery skills and experience

If you are an experienced Cook who takes pride in preparing consistently high-quality food and enjoys working in a busy café environment, we would like to hear from you.