We are seeking a qualified and experienced Cook to join our team at Star Venus on a full-time, ongoing basis. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking a range of menu items, with a strong focus on authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, while maintaining consistent standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene and safety.

The role requires someone who can work efficiently in a busy commercial kitchen, manage competing priorities during service periods, and work collaboratively with other kitchen and front-of-house staff.

To be successful in this role, you will have a relevant commercial cookery or culinary qualification and relevant experience working as a Cook in a commercial kitchen environment. Demonstrated experience in preparing and cooking Middle Eastern cuisine is required, together with sound knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques, food safety and hygiene requirements, and the ability to consistently prepare high-quality meals in a fast-paced environment.

This is a full-time, ongoing position based at Star Venus in Wollongong CBD, NSW.

Benefits

• Full-time, ongoing position 
• Competitive salary of $80,000 plus superannuation 
• 38 hours per week 
• Paid annual leave, personal/carer’s leave and other leave entitlements in accordance with applicable workplace laws 
• Stable and consistent employment 
• Supportive and professional team environment 
• Opportunity to further develop your cooking skills and experience 
• Opportunities for ongoing professional and career development

Task & responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a range of Star Venus menu items, including Middle Eastern dishes, in accordance with established recipes, portion sizes and presentation standards. 
• Undertake daily food preparation, including preparing, cutting, portioning, marinating and organising vegetables, meats, poultry, sauces and other ingredients before and during service. 
• Cook and assemble meals to order during service while maintaining consistency, quality and timely preparation. 
• Operate grills, fryers, ovens, stovetops and other commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently. 
• Prepare marinades, sauces, dressings, dips and other components required for menu items. 
• Check the quality, freshness and suitability of ingredients before preparation and cooking. 
• Monitor cooking times and temperatures to ensure meats, poultry and other food items are properly cooked and prepared to the required standard. 
• Ensure appropriate portion control, plating and presentation of meals before service. 
• Assist with receiving, storing and rotating food supplies and ingredients in accordance with food safety and storage requirements. 
• Monitor ingredient and stock levels and advise the manager when supplies need to be replenished. 
• Prepare meals to accommodate dietary requirements and special customer requests in accordance with established kitchen procedures. 
• Follow food safety, hygiene, temperature-control and safe food-handling procedures at all times. 
• Minimise food wastage through appropriate preparation, portioning, storage and stock rotation. 
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of cooking stations, utensils, equipment and food preparation areas. 
• Coordinate with other kitchen staff, the management and front-of-house staff to ensure orders are prepared accurately and within required service times.

Qualification & experience

• Relevant qualification in Commercial Cookery, Culinary Arts or a related field. 
• Relevant experience working as a Cook in a commercial kitchen environment. 
• Demonstrated experience preparing and cooking Middle Eastern cuisine in a commercial kitchen. 
• Sound knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, portion control and food presentation. 
• Good understanding of food safety, hygiene and safe food-handling requirements. 
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen and manage multiple orders during busy service periods. 
• Ability to work effectively as part of a kitchen and front-of-house team.