Create healthy habits.
Bring joy to every mealtime.
Support children to thrive with Guardian Brunswick
We believe mealtimes are about more than what's on the plate.
They're an opportunity to create connection, celebrate culture, encourage curiosity and enable children to build positive relationships with food from an early age.
As a Centre Chef, you'll play an important role in the daily life of the centre.
From planning nutritious menus and preparing fresh meals to catering for individual needs and creating positive eating experiences, your work allows children to feel nourished, cared for and ready to explore.
You'll be part of a supportive centre team, with opportunities to connect with other Guardian Chefs/Cooks, share ideas and discover new inspiration and best practice.
As you grow your skills and knowledge, you'll be supported to make an even greater impact through something children experience every day - food.
Because when you feel valued and supported, you can bring even more care, creativity and joy to every mealtime.
Why join Guardian?
Career pathways across Guardian's national network
Exclusive Thrive framework and To BE Me learning program, empowering both teams and children each day
Practical learning, mentoring and professional development
Support from your Centre Manager and wider Guardian network
Opportunities to connect with other Centre Chefs and share ideas and best practice
Competitive remuneration, generous childcare discounts, access to multiple wellbeing programs, recognition and rewards, and employee referral opportunities
High-quality centres and thoughtfully designed kitchen environments
The Opportunity
Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals and snacks
Create positive food experiences that support children's health and wellbeing
Cater for dietary, allergy, medical and cultural requirements
Manage ordering, stock control and kitchen budgets




Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance
Build trusted relationships with children, families and your centre team
Encourage healthy eating and positive relationships with food
Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive and engaging centre environment
About You
Experience preparing meals in a commercial kitchen, childcare setting or similar environment
Knowledge of food safety, allergy management and healthy nutrition practices
A Food Handling Certificate (Food Safety Supervisor highly regarded)
Strong organisation and time management skills
A collaborative, caring and professional approach
A genuine passion for supporting children's health and wellbeing
A current Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one
If you're ready to use your passion for food to create healthy habits, bring joy to every mealtime and make a meaningful difference for children, we'd love to hear from you.
Bring your passion.
Bring your creativity.
Bring your care.
Guardian Childcare & Education values diversity in the workplace and is an equal prospect employer.
Diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow.
We are committed to providing a workplace where every person is valued, respected, and supported to progress.
We are also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.
At Guardian Childcare & Education, children's safety and wellbeing are our top priority.
We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm.
We rigorously screen all potential team members, requiring a 10-year verifiable resume, 5 years of direct manager references, and other security checks to ensure they meet our high standards.
*for those who have not been in employment that long, these expectations will be adjusted.
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📌 Chef (Melbourne)
🏢 Guardian
📍 Melbourne