ABOUT PAISLEY PARK

Paisley Park is a proud early learning provider with over 30 years of experience delivering exceptional education and care for children.

At Paisley Park, we believe that healthy eating lays the foundation for lifelong wellbeing. Our food philosophy centres on preparing fresh, nutritious, home-style meals using quality ingredients while fostering positive relationships with food from an early age. We are committed to providing children with balanced meals that are wholesome, varied and culturally inclusive, while encouraging healthy eating habits every day.

Supporting our local community is at the heart of everything we do. Wherever possible, we source fresh produce and ingredients from local fruit and vegetable retailers, butchers, bakeries, and other small businesses, building meaningful partnerships that strengthen our community and provide children with the freshest available ingredients.

WE HAVE TWO CHEF/COOK ROLES AVAILABLE

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Qualified Chef to lead the kitchen at our beautiful, recently opened 108-place Long Day Care Centre in Blakeview, South Australia, and at our soon-to-open 118-place Long Day Care Centre in Riverlea - The Palms Shopping Village.

As our Centre Chef, you will be responsible for planning and preparing nutritious meals for children from infancy through to preschool, ensuring every meal is made with care, creativity and the highest food safety standards.

You will enjoy working independently in a modern commercial kitchen while collaborating closely with our Executive Chef, Educators, families, children, and leadership team to create positive food experiences for children every day.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare fresh, nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with our six-week rotating seasonal menu

Cater for children's allergies, dietary requirements and cultural preferences

Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness

Manage food ordering, stock rotation and kitchen inventory

Build and maintain positive relationships with our local suppliers, including fruit and vegetable stores, butchers, bakeries and other small businesses

Ensure compliance with Food Standards Australia and all relevant food safety legislation

Maintain food safety records and documentation

Work alongside educators to promote healthy eating and engage children in age-appropriate food experiences

Contribute to our Community Engagement Program, which requires preparation of and participation in some evening and weekend activities

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for this role, you must have:

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (minimum) or equivalent recognised qualification

Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or equivalent) and experience managing the Food Safety Program

Current Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Current National Police Check

Child Safety Training (via GEECKO portal)

Sound understanding of nutrition requirements for young children

Strong knowledge of food safety legislation, allergy management and safe food handling practices

Australian Citizenship, Permanent Residency or unrestricted Australian working rights

Excellent organisational and time management skills

Excellent literacy skills, including verbal and written and the ability to speak with families, interact with children, contribute to daily documentation and the Monthly Newsletters

Desirable:

Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications

Previous experience working as a Chef within a childcare or early learning environment

Experience cooking with children, and engaging with a range of people in the local community

ABOUT YOU

You are someone who:

Is passionate about children's nutrition and wellbeing

Enjoys preparing fresh meals from quality ingredients

Values supporting local businesses and building community connections

Takes pride in maintaining an organised and immaculate commercial kitchen

Is reliable, professional and self-motivated

Has a warm, positive attitude and enjoys being part of a collaborative team

Shares our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for children and families

WHY JOIN THE PAISLEY PARK FAMILY?

When you join Paisley Park, you become part of a supportive, family-focused organisation that genuinely values its people.

We offer:

A modern, fully equipped commercial kitchen

Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience

Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities

Supportive leadership and collaborative team culture

Employee childcare fee discounts

The opportunity to work for a respected early learning business with over 30 years of excellence

The chance to make a lasting impact on children's health, wellbeing and lifelong relationship with food

APPLY NOW

If you are an experienced Qualified Chef who shares our passion for children's nutrition, fresh local produce and supporting our community, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply via the SEEK Quick Apply button and include your resume along with copies of your relevant qualifications and certifications.