Job Type: Permanent position | Full time position

Employment Type: Full-Time Salary: $67,510 - $80,000 per annum + superannuation Occupation: Cook

COOK - FULL-TIME Employer: Belen & Reed Pty Ltd trading as Café 1995 Location: Darwin City, Northern Territory

About the Role

Café 1995 is seeking an experienced, skilled and passionate Cook to join our team in Darwin City.

This is a full-time position suited to an experienced hospitality professional with strong commercial kitchen experience, sound knowledge of food preparation and the ability to consistently produce high-quality meals in a busy café setting. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong cooking skills, excellent food preparation techniques, knowledge of kitchen operations and food safety, and the ability to work effectively as part of a professional café team. The Cook will also play an important role in maintaining food quality and presentation standards, assisting less-experienced kitchen team members and contributing to the efficient day-to-day operation of the kitchen.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Preparing, cooking and presenting breakfast, lunch, brunch and other café menu items to a consistently high standard.
- Following established recipes, preparation methods, portion sizes and presentation standards.
- Preparing ingredients including vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, sauces, dressings, marinades and other food products.
- Operating commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, including ovens, grills, fryers, cooktops, salamanders, mixers and food processors.
- Cooking food using appropriate methods including grilling, frying, baking, roasting, steaming, poaching and sautéing.
- Monitoring cooking times, temperatures, portion sizes, flavour, texture and presentation.
- Preparing dishes to meet customer requirements, including dietary, allergy-related and special meal requests where appropriate.
- Maintaining consistent food quality and presentation during busy service periods.
- Assisting with menu preparation, daily specials, seasonal dishes and new food offerings.
- Preparing mise en place before service and ensuring all ingredients are available and correctly prepared.
- Checking the quality, freshness and condition of ingredients before use.
- Receiving, inspecting, rotating and storing food supplies appropriately.




- Monitoring stock levels and advising management when ingredients or kitchen supplies require replenishment.
- Minimising food waste through appropriate preparation, storage and stock rotation procedures.
- Maintaining cleanliness and organisation of kitchen workstations, preparation areas, storage areas and equipment.
- Cleaning and maintaining commercial kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer and workplace procedures.
- Completing daily opening, closing and cleaning procedures.
- Following food safety, hygiene, workplace health and safety and company procedures.
- Maintaining appropriate food storage temperatures and ensuring food is labelled, dated and stored correctly.
- Preventing cross-contamination and following safe food handling practices at all times.
- Working efficiently and maintaining an organised workflow during busy service periods.
- Coordinating with front-of-house staff to ensure orders are prepared accurately and served promptly.
- Communicating effectively with kitchen, front-of-house and management staff.
- Assisting with kitchen opening and closing procedures as required.
- Supporting the training and development of junior or less-experienced kitchen staff.
- Demonstrating correct food preparation, cooking, plating, cleaning and food safety techniques to other team members.
- Monitoring food quality and assisting the team to maintain Café 1995’s established recipes and service standards.
- Identifying food quality, equipment or operational issues and reporting or resolving them appropriately.
- Participating in staff training, menu development, food tastings and quality-control activities.
- Performing other reasonable café and hospitality duties associated with the Cook position.

Skills and Experience

- Previous professional experience working as a Cook in a café, restaurant or similar hospitality environment. Strong practical knowledge of commercial kitchen operations and food preparation.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and cook a range of breakfast, lunch, brunch and café-style dishes.



Knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation methods and kitchen equipment. Ability to follow recipes, portion controls and presentation standards accurately.
- Ability to prepare mise en place efficiently and maintain an organised workstation. Understanding of food safety, hygiene, allergen management and workplace health and safety requirements. Ability to identify and maintain appropriate food storage and cooking temperatures.
- Ability to prepare meals according to dietary requirements and customer requests. Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and consistency. Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a high-volume café environment.
- Ability to remain organised and maintain quality during busy service periods. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
- Ability to assist in training and mentoring less-experienced kitchen staff. Reliable, professional and punctual approach to work.

Qualifications

Relevant hospitality, commercial cookery, food preparation or food safety qualifications are desirable. Applicants must possess the qualifications and/or relevant employment experience appropriate to the requirements of the position.

Personal Attributes

- We are looking for someone who: Has a genuine passion for cooking, food and hospitality. Takes pride in producing consistently high-quality meals.
- Is experienced and knowledgeable in professional food preparation and cooking. Can confidently train, guide and support other kitchen team members. Has excellent attention to detail.
- Works well under pressure. Communicates professionally with customers and colleagues. Is reliable, organised and self-motivated.
- Is committed to maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, cleanliness and customer service. Is interested in continuously developing their culinary knowledge and technical skills.

Working Conditions

This is a permanent full-time position based in Darwin City, Northern Territory. The successful applicant must be available to work a roster that may include early mornings, weekends and public holidays according to operational requirements. Salary: $67,510 - $80,000 per annum plus superannuation, depending on qualifications, skills and relevant experience.

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📌 breakfast chef or cook (Northern Territory)
🏢 Belen and Reed
📍 Northern Territory