About TAFE Queensland

TAFE Queensland is proud to be the largest and most experienced Vocational Education and Training provider in the State. For more than 140 years, TAFE Queensland has delivered practical and industry-relevant training to provide students with the skills and experience they need to build lifelong careers. TAFE Queensland been named the Large Training Provider of the Year at the prestigious 2023 Australian Training Awards. Our training is delivered to students and apprentices on-site, online, in the workplace, or on-campus to give people the skills they need to enrich their communities, support their industries, and strengthen their local economies.

By working at TAFE Queensland, you can be part of a highly experienced workforce closely connected with their industries and dedicated to delivering best practices and innovative training.

Your Opportunity

Seedpod Café: Quality coffee & inspired meals and snacks that are sure to nourish your mind, body and soul. With a passionate team, including students training on the job, you get to be part of something bigger by helping young minds flourish and bloom. See first-hand the sustainable initiatives embedded in the curriculum and our café operation. Our café ethos is to connect with our community and share our vision of a sustainable future.

As the Demi Chef you will:

• Effectively supervise the day to day kitchen operations of the café to achieve educational and commercial outcomes and deliver an outstanding customer experience.

The position reports to the Operations Manager TAFE Queensland Gold Coast

This is a Temporary Full Time opportunity, to 19/12/2025 unless otherwise determined. Some work required outside of normal business hours, including early mornings and some weekends, with applicable allowances and penalties payable.

The position will be based primarily at our Robina Campus however you may be required to perform work at other TAFE Queensland campuses.

Key Responsibilities

You will have responsibility for the following activities and key tasks:

• Ensure that all menu items are prepared and presented according to established recipes and standards.
• Assist in the development of menu and concepts for all food and/or bar outlets, and catering events.
• Monitor competitor and industry trends.
• Ensure that all kitchen equipment and storerooms are in proper operational condition and are cleaned on a regular basis adhering to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards.
• Undertake all practical measures to identify, assess, control and monitor workplace risks to health
• Assist in the development of procedures and guidelines relating to specific workplace health and safety issues within the departments.
• Maintain targets in forecasts, plans, and departmental production.
• Responsible for proper storage, labelling and use of all food supplied to prevent unnecessary spoilage and to maintain cost control.
• Maintain updated and accurate costing and documentation of all dishes prepared and sold in the food and beverage operations.
• Supervise day-to-day kitchen activities, plan and assign work, and establish performance and development goals for team members. Provide mentoring, coaching, and regular feedback to help manage conflict and improve team member performance.
• Assist Kitchen team in the set and service of Restaurant and Events within the campus.
• Liaising with TAFE Queensland staff to arrange internal catering for events as required.

• Ensure an outstanding guest experience by:
• Work with the Executive Chef to ensure that the kitchen provide a seamless student experience, providing high quality learning outcomes whilst maintaining commercial viability and an excellent customer experience.
• Supervise staff (which will include students) on each shift for the café and other outlets as required, ensuring the uniform and grooming standards are adhered to.
• Provide guidance to kitchen students in the use of equipment that is used in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Provide orientation and ongoing coaching to back of house staff and students within the café and other outlets as required.
• Maintain accurate records and report to the Executive Chef in relation to the cafe including, feedback, staffing issue and daily sales.
• Consider the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and incorporate sustainable practices into all aspects of the role and service delivery.
• Model and actively promote an ethical and safe work environment that supports a culture of zero harm and best practice regarding health, safety, wellness and sustainability.

How you will be assessed

The ideal applicant will be someone who has the following key capabilities:

1. Demonstrated experience in overseeing an outlet operation whilst delivery high quality cuisine, in particular the ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of new menu trends, healthy cuisine and local produce.
2. Proven experience in building and sustaining productive internal and external relationships and working collaboratively including the ability to work proactively and supervise back of house staff and students.
3. Proven strong time management skills, impeccable attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
4. Demonstrated understanding and commitment to food safety legislation and HACCP.
5. High level communication, coaching and customer service skills, with internal/ external clients.

Mandatory Qualifications/Requirements

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or
• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Highly Desirable Requirements

• Five years’ experience as a Chef, with at least two years in a supervisory capacity
• Understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the ability to adapt sustainable practices into all aspects of the role and service delivery.

How to apply

If you’re interested in this role, click the ‘Apply’ button to submit your application via the TAFE Queensland Recruitment Portal. When submitting your application, please ensure you provide the following:

• A detailed resume;
• A one (1) page statement highlighting your relevant knowledge, skills and experience; and
• The contact details for two referees (one of whom is your current supervisor)

Closing date: 16:00, Tuesday 22 April 2025

Job Reference Number: TQ2025-344

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Bullard, Operations Manager

[email protected]