Chef

LABOURLENS PTY LTD Labourlens is recruiting on behalf of SMMART PTY LTD, trading as Exchange House Food Store, is seeking a qualified and experienced Chef to join its team in a permanent full-time position (38 hours/week). Australian citizens and permanent residents will be preferred. The Chef will assist with menu planning, stock control, ordering, food and labour cost management, and the coordination of kitchen staff during daily service.

The role requires close collaboration with management, kitchen employees, and front-of-house staff to ensure meals are prepared and served on time and meet the required standards for taste, portion size, presentation, and quality. The Chef will also maintain strict food safety, hygiene, storage, and workplace health and safety practices, provide guidance and training to junior staff, and respond appropriately to dietary requirements, special requests, and customer feedback.

This position is important in maintaining consistent kitchen standards, reducing wastage, controlling operational costs, and delivering a positive dining experience that supports customer satisfaction and the ongoing reputation of the business. Benefits Competitive Salary Permanent Full-Time Employment: Benefit from a stable, ongoing position offering long-term job security. Contemporary Workplace: Work in a modern and welcoming environment that provides a comfortable atmosphere for both employees and customers.

Focus on Quality: Prepare and present dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients while contributing to a varied and appealing menu. Training and Career Development: Access ongoing training, guidance, and professional development opportunities to strengthen your culinary skills and support career progression. Supportive Team Environment: Join a cooperative and friendly team committed to delivering high-quality food, coffee, and customer service.

Structured Operational Support: Receive clear procedures, resources, and operational guidance to help maintain consistency, efficiency, and quality within the kitchen. Task & responsibilities Plan and develop menus by considering customer preferences, seasonal ingredients, preparation requirements, staffing needs, and overall food and labour costs. Estimate food requirements, monitor stock levels, and order ingredients and kitchen supplies to support smooth and efficient daily operations.

Monitor food preparation, cooking, portioning, and presentation to ensure all dishes consistently meet the required quality standards. Communicate with management, kitchen staff, waiting staff, and, where required, dietitians regarding menu planning, dietary requirements, allergies, and food preparation concerns. Prepare, cook, season, and present a variety of dishes in accordance with approved recipes, menu specifications, and customer expectations.

Demonstrate cooking methods, food preparation techniques, portion control, and plating standards while providing guidance and support to kitchen staff. Monitor staff rosters, workload allocation, overtime, and kitchen productivity to help control labour costs while maintaining efficient service and food quality. Implement and enforce food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and workplace health and safety procedures throughout the kitchen.

Select, train, supervise, and support junior or newly appointed kitchen staff in cooking procedures, kitchen operations, and safe food-handling practices. Ensure food is correctly stored, labelled, refrigerated, frozen, and preserved to maintain freshness, prevent contamination, and minimise wastage. Coordinate kitchen activities during service periods to ensure meals are prepared accurately, efficiently, and within the required timeframes.

Manage the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, including staff coordination, workflow, stock usage, equipment, cleanliness, and service standards, while addressing customer feedback and special requests to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. Qualification & experience Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery and/or a Diploma in Hospitality, providing sound culinary knowledge and an understanding of food safety requirements.

At least two to three years of practical experience in a busy commercial kitchen. Ability to follow, adapt and improve the existing menu while contributing new ideas in response to seasonal availability and changing customer preferences. Good knowledge of kitchen operations, including stock management, ingredient rotation, portion control, food cost management, hygiene standards and workplace health and safety requirements.

Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced kitchen, lead by example and provide guidance and support to junior kitchen staff. Strong commitment to consistently preparing high-quality meals while meeting dietary requirements, presentation standards and customer expectations. Ability to remain organised, prioritise competing tasks and work efficiently under pressure during busy service periods.

Positive and professional attitude, with a willingness to contribute to the overall customer experience by preparing meals that consistently meet the venue’s quality standards. About Company SMMART PTY LTD, trading as Exchange House Food Store, operates a restaurant, café and takeaway business located at 63 Princes Highway, Lucknow, Victoria. The business offers a range of café-style and takeaway food items, including toasties, pies, sausage rolls, quiches and other convenient meal options.

Exchange House Food Store operates seven days a week, with early-morning trading hours, requiring well-organised kitchen operations and consistent food preparation throughout the day. The business is committed to maintaining food quality, efficient service, appr... Read more: https://workinitiatives.com.au/job/details?id=6228308