About Us

Alder Road Food Group, led by David O’Brien, is a dynamic collective, passionate about food, drinks, and hospitality. Known for creativity and adaptability, the Group thrives in the evolving hospitality landscape, delivering exceptional experiences across a number of brands.

In our group is our Food Rascal function which specialises in delivering workplace hospitality for our corporate clients while also focusing on consulting, mentoring, retail, venue operations and product development. High-end event catering brand Cook & Waiter, brings over 20 years of expertise to special events, corporate gigs, weddings, launches and private parties, partnering with top brands and clients to deliver incredible hospitality across Sydney and select interstate work. Our newest brand, Saltbox, is our first sole-operated event venue that elevates the event experience with outstanding food and drinks which opened in Sydney in May 2025.

Our culture is driven by our values: Everyone has a seat at our table, Plant the Seed, Flip the Raspberry and Stay Humble Apple Crumble. We are creative and we think big. Check out more about us here: www.cookandwaiter.com.au www.saltboxvenue.com.au

About the Role

We’re launching an exciting new workplace hospitality site on Collins Street, Melbourne, expanding on our successful Food Rascal partnership already established in Sydney. Our client is a progressive Australian tech company that values fresh, seasonal, and wellbeing-focused food, served in a family-style format for their staff—including breakfast, lunch, and internal events.

We’re looking for a passionate and reliable Chef de Partie / Cook to join the kitchen team at this brand-new site. You’ll work closely with the Sous Chef and play a key role in delivering a high standard of food with a focus on quality, consistency, and creativity. With menus already developed by our experienced Group Chef team, you’ll be supported with clear direction, hands-on training, and room to grow into the role.

This is an ideal opportunity for a strong all-rounder or experienced CDP who enjoys working in a small, collaborative team and wants to be part of a kitchen culture that values seasonal produce, bold flavours, and shared meals. You’ll have the chance to contribute to weekly rotating menus and support the smooth day-to-day operation of the kitchen, including prep, service, and kitchen cleanliness.

This is a Monday to Friday role with hours typically between 6:00am/7:00am and 2:00pm/3:00pm, offering excellent work-life balance, with occasional internal events as needed. This role may be job shared casual/part-time, or full-time for the right person.

In this role, you will:

Prepare and cook daily breakfast, lunch, and event items, following prep lists and recipes to deliver high-quality, seasonal dishes.

Support the Sous Chef in delivering a consistent food offering that reflects Melbourne’s diverse food culture.

Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic kitchen at all times, including your prep area, shared equipment, storage spaces, and cool rooms.

Wash dishes and clean equipment regularly throughout the day, contributing to a clean and well-organised back-of-house environment.

Follow all food safety and hygiene procedures, including proper food storage, labelling, temperature checks, and cleaning logs.

Assist with daily kitchen setup and pack-down, ensuring all areas are cleaned, sanitised, and ready for the next service.

Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service and a positive customer experience.

Support stock management, including unpacking deliveries, rotating stock, and maintaining proper storage.

About You

To be the perfect addition to our team, you will:

Have experience as a CDP or competent cook in a quality-focused kitchen environment.

Be confident with prep, service, and maintaining high food standards under time pressure.

Take pride in cleanliness and organisation, and understand the importance of maintaining a spotless kitchen throughout the day.

Be happy to pitch in with dishwashing and cleaning tasks as part of daily kitchen routines.

Have a strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards, and a commitment to following them every shift.

Be a team player with a positive attitude, great communication skills, and a willingness to support others.

Enjoy working with fresh, seasonal produce and take genuine pride in serving good food to others.

Be reliable, punctual, and ready to bring energy to a small, hands-on kitchen team.

About the Process

Ready to join a food-loving, people-focused team?

Apply now with your CV, and feel free to include a short note telling us a little about yourself and why you think you’d be a great fit for this role. We’re all about personality, attitude, and a genuine passion for good food — so don’t be shy!

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a quick chat, followed by a trial shift for the right fit.