Chef - Permanent, Full Time

The Service

Habitat Early Learning at Peregian Springs, rated as exceeding the National Quality Standard, is built on the foundation that optimum early childhood development occurs when the educational, nutritional and health needs of children are prioritised. The centre includes dynamic first-class learning spaces perfectly suited to the Montessori curriculums, as well as the many Extra-Curricular Programs Habitat Early Learning offers

Through the philosophy Happy Staff, Happy Children, Happy Families, Habitat delivers exceptional quality across three core service areas – Education, Nutrition and Health.

For more information, please visit the service website: www.habitatlearning.qld.edu.au

The Role

We are looking for a qualified and experienced Chef to join the team at Habitat Early Learning to produce nutritionally balanced meals for Habitat Early Learning children and staff and Habitat Nourish customers.

In addition to leadership of the kitchen, this role is a hands-on, requiring attention to detail and a positive work attitude.

The role will be required to deliver high standard of kitchen operations leadership, compliance and food production while maintaining the highest level of hygiene at all times. The role will have you work with a Kitchen Hand 5 days a week to support the smooth running of Kitchen Operations.

Position Accountabilities

Menu development and meal preparation

Provide nutritionally balanced meals for the children in the care of Habitat Early Learning.

Plan and prepare Habitat Nourish meals

Prepare consistent service offerings for families such as tonics and Parent Room snack options

Comply with food safety guidelines, National Quality Framework and Habitat policies and procedures

Provide for and supplement alternative foods for children with allergies or special dietary requirements

Plan menus (lunch and snacks) and display appropriately within the centre

Periodically review menu plans and ensure they meet all necessary dietary requirements

Ensure daily compliance including allergy management record keeping

Oversee and supervise kitchen staff

Ensure team members are aware of their duties and what is expected of them

Train new team members to ensure they perform their roles to the required standard

Delegate duties to kitchen team members as per the operational requirements

Oversee and monitor the work of kitchen team members to ensure all tasks are done as required

Oversee team compliance in relation to allergy management, food safety standards, WHS

Provide team members with feedback on their performance to enable staff development

Manage stock/supplies and budgets

Ensure wastage is minimised by careful supervision of food preparation methods

Ensure proper hygienic storage methods are utilised to prevent food loss.

Oversee the ordering and control of stock levels

Maintain relationships with suppliers, source adequate stock, pricing and quality

Ensure all kitchen operations related, including food safety records are always up to date

Adhere to operational budgets and provide periodic reports to mangers.

Consult with mangers and other stakeholders on continuous improvement strategies

About you

You're a mover and a shaker who consistently strives for better, stronger, more

Your friends wonder how you manage to achieve so much more than a regular person

You have previously impressed others with your dedication, reliability, motivation and commitment to succeed

Above all else, you are passionate about delivering dishes that are both flavoursome & healthy and you are excited about being part of the Habitat Story!

Selection Criteria:

Cert IV in Commercial Cookery or similar

Current food safety certificate

Current Blue Card

Current First Aid and CPR

Minimum 3 years working experience post apprenticeship completion

Previous experience leading a team

High level time management skills including the ability to prioritise, plan, organise, and manage competing demands

Interpersonal and communication skills to enable positive interactions with business leaders, staff, families, children and other relevant stakeholders.

Knowledge of relevant service safety and quality standards

Please submit your resume and cover letter via Seek.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information about Habitat Early Learning, please visit our website https://habitatlearning.qld.edu.au/ or contact HR via [email protected]

This role requires a criminal record check (also known as a police check) as part of the recruitment process. Such checks help us maintain our strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children in our care. Preferred applicants will be required to obtain a criminal record check through our checking process, and provide the necessary documentation. Please note that providing consent for a criminal record check is a condition of employment.

At Habitat Early Learning, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and play. Our learning community walks together in the spirit of Reconciliation.