Chef at Caffe & Co Oran Park

About us

Caffe & Co Oran Park is a popular café in New South Wales, Australia, known for its exceptional coffee, diverse menu and warm hospitality. The business has built a strong reputation for serving high-quality food and beverages in a friendly and inviting setting.

Role

Caffe & Co Oran Park is seeking an experienced Chef to oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, coordinate food preparation and service, and maintain consistent food quality and presentation. The successful applicant will be responsible for managing kitchen workflow, guiding kitchen and food preparation staff, and ensuring dishes are prepared in accordance with the café's menu, customer preferences and quality standards.

The role involves hands-on food preparation and cooking, contributing to menu planning and seasonal updates, selecting suitable ingredients, and adapting dishes to reflect ingredient availability and customer demand. The successful applicant must be able to work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and maintain an organised, hygienic and efficient kitchen.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Plan and oversee the preparation, cooking and presentation of café-style menu items, including breakfast dishes, brunch plates, salads, burgers, pastas, desserts and specialty items.
• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, coordinating food preparation, service requirements and workflow to maintain efficient kitchen operations.
• Set up kitchen stations with the required utensils, equipment and ingredients, ensuring all stations are properly stocked and operational.
• Work with the Director and Managers on menu planning, seasonal updates and the development of new dishes that reflect the café's standards and customer preferences.
• Exercise independent judgement in coordinating kitchen activities, prioritising orders and managing workflow during busy service periods.
• Monitor food quality, portion sizes, taste, temperature and presentation to ensure dishes are consistently prepared in accordance with Caffe & Co's standards.
• Undertake food preparation tasks, including cutting, marinating, mixing, cooking and plating, and check that orders meet required standards before service.
• Coordinate cooking times to ensure meals are delivered promptly and items within the same order are completed simultaneously.
• Guide and supervise kitchen staff, including Cooks and junior food preparation workers, on cooking techniques, food handling procedures, recipes and menu specifications.
• Monitor stock levels, manage stock rotation and ensure adequate supplies of ingredients and kitchen products are available to meet daily service requirements.
• Contribute to ordering, inventory management and the efficient use of ingredients to minimise waste and maintain cost control.
• Assist with the training and development of kitchen staff and provide input to the Director and Managers regarding kitchen staffing and operational requirements.
• Maintain a clean, hygienic and organised kitchen, including workstations, equipment, refrigerators and storage areas.
• Enforce food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards in accordance with applicable NSW legislation and local council requirements.
• Comply with workplace health and safety policies, report hazards and ensure the safe use of kitchen equipment.
• Participate in kitchen meetings, recommend operational improvements and uphold Caffe & Co's commitment to high-quality food and customer satisfaction.

Skills & Qualifications

• AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, consistent with ANZSCO Skill Level 2, or at least three years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated commercial kitchen experience, including food preparation, cooking and presentation in a busy hospitality environment.
• Ability to coordinate kitchen activities, maintain food quality and manage workflow during busy service periods.
• Knowledge of menu planning, stock control, food safety, hygiene and kitchen procedures.
• Ability to guide kitchen staff and work independently while collaborating effectively with the Director and Managers.
• Strong communication, organisational and time-management skills.
• Positive attitude, reliability and the ability to work under pressure.
• Availability to work weekdays and weekends in accordance with the roster and operational requirements of the café.

Australian Citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to apply.

Salary: $75,000-80,000