Position: Café Chef

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us:

Manchester Press Café is a renowned café in Melbourne’s CBD, famous for its artisanal bagels, specialty coffee, and vibrant brunch menu. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality food with innovative flavors in a fast-paced, welcoming environment.

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Café Chef to lead our kitchen team and ensure the consistent preparation of high-quality dishes. The ideal candidate is passionate about café-style cuisine, creative with menu development, and skilled in managing kitchen operations efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare and cook café-style dishes, including bagels, brunch plates, and specialty items.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Maintain kitchen speed and efficiency during peak service hours.

Menu Development & Innovation

• Work with management to update and refine the café’s menu.
• Introduce new seasonal dishes and creative bagel toppings.
• Stay up to date with food trends and dietary preferences (e.g., vegan, gluten-free options).

Kitchen Management & Operations

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth service and efficiency.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff, fostering a positive team culture.
• Manage stock levels, place ingredient orders, and control food costs.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Follow food safety and hygiene regulations, including HACCP compliance.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment.
• Conduct regular kitchen inspections to ensure health and safety standards are met.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with front-of-house staff to ensure timely service.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers to source fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Address customer feedback to improve food quality and service.

Skills & Experience Required:

Essential Skills:

• Strong knowledge of café-style cuisine, brunch dishes, and bagel-based menus.
• Proficiency in food preparation, cooking techniques, and plating.
• Ability to manage a fast-paced kitchen with high customer turnover.
• Leadership and team management skills to train and supervise staff.
• Excellent time management, organization, and multitasking abilities.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP procedures.

Experience:

• 2-3 years of experience in a café, brunch, or casual dining setting.
• Prior experience as a Sous Chef, Head Chef, or Café Chef preferred.
• Culinary qualification (Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery) is mandatory.
• Experience managing kitchen operations, stock control, and cost management.

What We Offer:

✅ Competitive salary based on experience
✅ A dynamic and friendly work environment
✅ Opportunities for career growth and menu development
✅ Full time working hours

If you have a passion for café cuisine and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 To Apply: Send your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected] or drop by Manchester Press Café.