Join our passionate team at UTS Child Care

UTS Child Care is seeking a skilled, enthusiastic and committed Chef to join our team at Magic Pudding Child Care Centre in Ultimo, Sydney.

This is a rewarding opportunity for a qualified chef who is passionate about preparing fresh, nutritious and delicious meals that support the health, wellbeing and development of children aged 0-5 years.

The position is permanent part-time, working 1-2 days per week (ideally Mondays and Tuesdays) in a job-share arrangement. You will work closely with the existing chef, your job-share partner, to coordinate menus, ordering and daily kitchen operations.

The successful candidate will commence on 4 January 2027, with availability to work some shifts during December 2026 highly desirable to allow for training, induction and a smooth transition into the role.

About Magic Pudding

Magic Pudding is a 61-place early childhood education and care service that operates in a multi-age-group setting.

Our approach values strong relationships, collaboration and creating an environment where children feel safe, respected and supported to thrive. We are committed to providing high-quality care and education, including nutritious meals that promote children's health and wellbeing.

About the Role

This position operates in a job-share arrangement, so the ability to work collaboratively and maintain consistency across the working days is essential. You will have strong communication and handover skills to ensure consistency in the operation of the kitchen across the week.

Your key responsibilities will include:

- Planning and preparing healthy, balanced and age-appropriate meals for children aged 0-5 years.
- Preparing daily morning tea, lunch,



afternoon tea and other required meals.
- Catering for children with food allergies, intolerances and special dietary requirements.
- Following individual dietary plans and implementing appropriate allergy management and cross-contamination prevention practices.
- Maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
- Ensuring safe food storage, preparation, handling and temperature control.
- Developing seasonal, varied and culturally inclusive menus.
- Managing food supplies, stock ordering and kitchen budgets.
- Minimising food waste and maintaining an organised and productive kitchen.
- Working collaboratively with educators and management to support children's health, nutrition and wellbeing.

Skills, qualifications and experience

Essential Qualifications and Requirements:

- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
- Food Safety Supervisor Certificate.
- NSW Government Food Handling Certificate.
- Current Working with Children Check clearance.
- Ability to plan and prepare nutritious, balanced and age-appropriate meals.
- Demonstrated understanding of safe food preparation, storage, handling and kitchen hygiene.
- Knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating principles for children aged 0-5 years.
- Understanding of food allergies, intolerances, dietary requirements and cross-contamination prevention.




- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a job-share arrangement, including clear communication, effective handovers and shared responsibility for kitchen operations.
- Previous experience as a chef or cook in an early childhood education and care setting.
- Experience planning menus in accordance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
- First Aid Certificate.
- Completion of National Child Safety Training, or willingness to complete this prior to commencement.

Why work with UTS Child Care?

At UTS Child Care, the safety, wellbeing and rights of children are our highest priority. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and supportive environment through robust recruitment and screening processes.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. All candidates are considered on their merits, with a commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

- Above-award remuneration: Earn up to 35% above the Modern Award, depending on your qualifications and years of experience, with employment conditions governed by our Enterprise Agreement.
- Strong staffing support: Above-ratio staffing and a focus on maintaining a well-qualified team.
- Employee wellbeing: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and a workplace that values staff wellbeing.
- Professional growth: Opportunities to collaborate, reflect on practice and continue developing your skills and knowledge.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Early Childhood Chef (part-time) (Sydney)
🏢 UTS Child Care
📍 Sydney