We are seeking a qualified candidate with experience and a passion for preparing meals for children in accordance with our food philosophy and national dietary guidelines at Paisley Park Ashburton. We prepare meals for up to 80 children per day, aged 6 weeks to 6 years. This role is initially part-time, but it can develop into full-time as occupancy increases.

Recognising the importance of serving delicious and nutritious meals to children, our well-resourced facilities provide ample opportunities for an experienced Chef to showcase their strengths and interests in the kitchen. This is a perfect role for a Chef interested in working manageable daytime hours. A kitchen hand will also support the Chef in undertaking their daily duties, as occupancy rises.

We seek someone who can work independently using a 6-week rotational Menu and cater to all children's needs, including dietary intolerances and preferences. This unique opportunity is perfect for a candidate experienced in delivering a balanced Menu for children across age groups. It is also suitable for a candidate with diverse skill sets and the ability to adapt to a younger audience.

The role requires knowledge of Meal Preparation, Food Handling, Menu Planning, and the implementation of a Food Safety Program. Regular documentation is also required to ensure all records are kept up to date and in accordance with local authorities.

In addition, we require the Chef to communicate with a range of stakeholders, including the Head Chef, Mentor Chef, parents, Educators, Mentor Leaders, community members, and, most importantly, children. This means they must be willing to spend time with children outside of the kitchen and engage them in regular supervised cooking activities according to our planned program.

At Paisley Park, we place a high value on developing close working relationships with local communities. We regularly host events, both during and outside of hours, which are pre-planned in advance according to our Community Connections Calendar. This provides plenty of notice for preparatory purposes. The Chef plays a crucial role in these events, working collaboratively with the Head Chef/Mentor Chef to ensure the Menu is rolled out appropriately, contributing significantly to our mission and community.

At Paisley Park, we are committed to supporting all our employees in advancing their careers. We offer numerous opportunities for growth and learning, challenging our Chefs to strengthen their knowledge. Our Mentor program, with monthly engagement meetings, is designed to recognise achievements and support ongoing professional learning, providing an exciting opportunity for personal and career development.

If you currently hold Commercial Cookery qualifications or are an experienced Chef, we'd love for you to apply. A Working with Children Check and all kitchen-required certifications are essential. Passion in nutrition and cooking innovation is essential, as well as positive energy and enthusiasm.