About The Bridge
The Bridge Incorporated is a community-based not-for-profit supporting people with disability and other disadvantaged backgrounds across Melbourne's south-east and northern suburbs.
Through supported employment, we create inclusive workplaces where people can develop skills, build confidence and participate meaningfully in employment.
About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to combine your hospitality expertise with meaningful people leadership.
Based in our café operation, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen, including food preparation, quality, safety and service delivery.
At the same time, you'll provide on-the-job training, guidance and support to employees with disability working within the café.
Working closely with the Team Leader, you'll delegate kitchen tasks, build employee capability and support individuals to achieve their workplace goals while contributing to a positive and productive café environment.
This is a hands-on role where you'll spend your time in the kitchen leading by example, working alongside employees and ensuring quality outcomes for both customers and staff.
Duties
Coordinate daily kitchen operations and food preparation
Prepare and deliver quality meals and café products
Maintain food safety, hygiene and compliance standards
Delegate tasks and support workflow across the kitchen team
Provide practical, on-the-job training and coaching
Support employees with disability to develop workplace skills and confidence




Contribute to employee goal setting, progress reviews and skill development
Participate in Supported Wage System assessments and employment planning processes
Monitor quality, productivity and workplace safety
Work collaboratively with the Team Leader to achieve operational outcomes
Skills & Experience
Commercial cooking experience in a café, hospitality or food service environment
Relevant Cookery qualification or equivalent industry experience
Experience leading, training or mentoring others in a workplace setting
Solid understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance requirements
Excellent communication skills and a patient, supportive approach
Experience in disability, supported employment or community services is highly regarded but not essential
Ability to balance operational demands with employee development and support
Culture
People enjoy working at The Bridge because the work is practical, inclusive and purpose led.
Every day you'll see the impact of helping people develop skills, confidence and independence through real employment opportunities.
Benefits
Up to $18,500 not-for-profit salary packaging
Extra day of leave during your birthday month
Sonder EAP, including counselling, nutrition, medical and financial support
Comprehensive induction and training
Ongoing professional development opportunities
Supportive leadership and collaborative team culture
Opportunity to make a genuine difference through meaningful employment

📌 Cafe Cook (Melbourne)
🏢 The Bridgeorporated
📍 Melbourne