Role: Centre Cook

Location: Parkdale, VIC 3194

Centre: Goodstart Parkdale

Employment Type: Part-time (30 hours a week), 8-month Fixed-Term Position

Pay: $31.36 - $35.44 p/h (depending on qualification and experience)

• Delight little customers with big appetites – provide delicious meals and influence the nutritional outcomes of Australian children
• Competitive pay – at least 5% above award
• Get 50% discount off your childcare gap fees

As a Cook at Goodstart, you'll create delicious, healthy meals that fuel young minds and bodies, becoming a cherished part of our community. Your passion for food and commitment to quality will play a crucial role in shaping the daily experiences of the children in our care.

In this role, you will:

• Ensure the safety of children by preparing meals to account for special dietary requirements and allergies
• Use your creativity and organisational skills to plan the menu and order food supplies in consultation with the Centre Director
• Maintain high standards of food safety by ensuring all storage, handling and preparation of food and drinks is hygienic
• Work a part time roster of 30 hours per week, from 8:30am – 3pm
  
  

About Goodstart Parkdale

At Goodstart Parkdale, we believe that nutritious meals play a vital role in supporting children's learning, growth and wellbeing. Our welcoming 60-place centre is looking for a passionate and organised Centre Cook to join our team and prepare fresh, healthy meals for children each day.

As our Centre Cook, you'll be responsible for planning and preparing healthy, balanced meals and snacks that meet the nutritional needs of children from nursery through to kindergarten. You'll work closely with the Centre Leadership Team to ensure food safety standards are maintained while creating enjoyable mealtime experiences for children.

• Plan and prepare nutritious meals and snacks daily.
• Cater for a variety of dietary, cultural and allergy requirements.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness.
• Manage food ordering, stock control and kitchen budgets.
• Ensure compliance with Goodstart policies and relevant food handling regulations.
• Build positive relationships with children, families and team members.
• Support sustainable and healthy eating practices within the centre.

If you enjoy creating nutritious menus, love working in a family-focused environment, and take pride in providing excellent food service, we'd love to hear from you.

What Goodstart can offer you:

💰 We pay highly competitive wages, at least 5% above the national award rates 

👨‍👧‍👦 50% discount off your childcare gap fees and 6 weeks paid parental leave

🏋 Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price

📚 Paid professional development

💆🏽‍♀️ Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year
👩‍⚕️Free annual flu shot (optional)

✈️ Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance  
First Nations Support and Cultural Leave

🎁 Retail and childcare discounts on insurance, travel and technology

👕Uniform allowance and employee referral program

You’ll need:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or experience cooking within a childcare setting
• Current VIC Working with Children Check

How to apply

Click ‘Apply Now’ and submit your application.

We review applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for your best chance to progress to the next stage of the process.

Have a question? Contact Salena from our Talent Acquisition Team on 1800 222 543 or via email svo@goodstart.org.au

At Goodstart we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  For further information and support email deadlycareers@goodstart.org.au

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We’re an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We’re also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

#gscook

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check.