1. Qualifications and Skilled Experience Demonstrated qualifications and experience in commercial cookery, including the ability to plan, prepare and deliver high-quality meals in a commercial kitchen environment. Experience in catering for large groups or preparing meals in an educational, community or institutional setting would be highly regarded.

2. Food Safety, Hygiene and Compliance Demonstrated knowledge and application of food safety standards, safe food handling, food storage, allergen management, and kitchen hygiene procedures. The ability to maintain a clean, safe and compliant kitchen environment in accordance with relevant food safety legislation and requirements is essential.

3. Menu Planning and Child Nutrition Demonstrated ability to plan and prepare nutritious, balanced, appealing and age-appropriate meals for primary school-aged children. This includes accommodating dietary requirements, food allergies, cultural and religious food preferences, and developing menus that encourage children to enjoy a variety of healthy foods.

4. Organisation, Time Management and Resource Management Demonstrated ability to organise and manage the daily operations of a commercial kitchen, including meal preparation and service schedules, ordering and managing stock, minimising food waste, maintaining equipment, and working within an allocated budget. The ability to prepare and coordinate multiple meals each day in a timely and efficient manner is essential.

5. Communication, Collaboration and Commitment to the School Community Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with school leadership, staff, families and external suppliers. A commitment to supporting student health,



wellbeing and learning through a positive, inclusive and reliable School Meals Program, with a genuine understanding of the importance of providing nutritious meals in a primary school setting.

Selection Criteria

1. Qualifications and Professional Experience Demonstrated qualifications and experience in commercial cookery, including the ability to plan, prepare and deliver high-quality meals in a commercial kitchen environment. Experience in catering for large groups or preparing meals in an educational, community or institutional setting would be highly regarded.

2. Food Safety, Hygiene and Compliance Demonstrated knowledge and application of food safety standards, safe food handling, food storage, allergen management, and kitchen hygiene procedures. The ability to maintain a clean, safe and compliant kitchen environment in accordance with relevant food safety legislation and requirements is essential.

3. Menu Planning and Child Nutrition Demonstrated ability to plan and prepare nutritious, balanced, appealing and age-appropriate meals for primary school-aged children. This includes accommodating dietary requirements, food allergies, cultural and religious food preferences, and developing menus that encourage children to enjoy a variety of healthy foods.

4. Organisation,



Time Management and Resource Management Demonstrated ability to organise and manage the daily operations of a commercial kitchen, including meal preparation and service schedules, ordering and managing stock, minimising food waste, maintaining equipment, and working within an allocated budget. The ability to prepare and coordinate multiple meals each day in a timely and efficient manner is essential.

5. Communication, Collaboration and Commitment to the School Community Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with school leadership, staff, families and external suppliers. A commitment to supporting student health, wellbeing and learning through a positive, inclusive and reliable School Meals Program, with a genuine understanding of the importance of providing nutritious meals in a primary school setting.

Role

- A qualified Chef with Cert 3 and 4 in Commercial Cookery
- Previous experience with cooking in bulk quantities in a retail, large school, early learning or aged care facility
- Strong understanding of allergen management and food safety
- Passionate about healthy and nutritious food
- All-rounder experience and able to cook Savoury & sweet desserts
- Able to achieve results without supervision
- Currently have or able to obtain a valid Working with Children’s Check
- Excellent knowledge of all kitchen procedures and operations

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position will be:

- Prepare fresh, nutritious meals for students
- Contribute to menu ideas using local ingredients
- Monitor stock and minimise wastage
- Adhere to hygiene standards and following proper food handling practices
- Deliver healthy choices and gui

📌 Chef (Melbourne)
🏢 Government schools
📍 Melbourne