Little Zak's Academy is privately owned and family run. Our aim is to provide early childhood care and education in a safe, welcoming, adopting and nurturing environment.

Our staff are dedicated professionals who value the importance of maintaining an optimum level of care and education for all children. We select our staff based on knowledge and values, vision for children and learning, and commitment to families.

We are seeking a dedicated full-time Cook/Chef to join our team at Little Zak’s Academy Ropes Crossing. In this role, you will prepare and serve fresh, nutritious meals each day for up to 115 children, following our rotational seasonal menus. You will manage daily food preparation, maintain a clean and organised kitchen, and ensure all meals meet dietary and allergy requirements.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a childcare or similar setting, hold a current Food Safety Certificate, and have a genuine passion for creating healthy meals for children.

Why Join Us?

• We are proud to be part of the Australian Government’s Worker Retention Payment program. Eligible team members at Little Zak’s receive an extra 10% on top of award rates from December 2024, with an additional 5% starting December 2025. This funding is fully supported by the government until November 2026. Little Zak’s Academy is one of the few approved providers nationally to offer this benefit.
• Rotating rosters to support a great work/life balance
• Competitive remuneration and up to $1,500 annual bonus (depending on your qualification)
• Up to 50% staff childcare discounts for your own children
• A paid day off on your birthday plus a well-being day on top of your annual leave
• $1,000 staff referral bonus for every successful referral
• Continuous career development opportunities including our Future Leaders Program
• Employee Assistance Program via Sonder, a trusted Employee Assistance Program that provides unlimited confidential counselling and support sessions. Whether you need help managing stress, work-life balance, or personal challenges, Sonder is here to support you whenever you need it.
• Study allowances to upskill qualifications (including Early Childhood Teaching degrees, T&Cs apply)
• Travel allowances (T&Cs apply)

About the role:

• Prepare morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea for the children based on a 4-week rotating menu
• Ensure that the meals prepared meet the special dietary needs of the children with allergies & cultural preferences
• Ensure safe and hygienic storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks
• Order food supplies in line with menus and within the Centre's budget and check of food deliveries made to the Centre
• To work with the Centre Director to create and prepare a wholesome menu
• Communicate positively with children and staff on a daily basis

About you:

• Relevant qualification in hospitality/commercial cookery/nutrition or early childhood education
• Previous experience in a similar role desirable
• Menu planning and allergy management experiences
• Current Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one
• Food Safety Supervisors Certificate or willingness to obtain one
• First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain one

Little Zak's Child Safety Commitment

Little Zak’s Academy is a Child Safe Organisation. We prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and rights of all children and maintain a strong culture of child safety across our services. As part of our commitment, we have a rigorous recruitment and screening process in place, including comprehensive reference checks, Police checks and child-safe employment checks.

By applying for a role with Little Zak’s Academy, you acknowledge and agree to undergo all required child safety checks as part of our employment process.

We are an equal opportunity workplace where diversity is embraced. We foster a culture that supports inclusion and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Do not miss out on this great opportunity! If this sounds like you then, please click ‘APPLY NOW’ or call 0485 982 484 for more information.