Cook

Cook

Courtyard Cafe – Narre Warren, VIC

Permanent, full-time (38 hours per week)

$80,000 annual base salary plus superannuation

About Courtyard Cafe

Courtyard Cafe is an Australian-style cafe and restaurant located at Westfield Fountain Gate in Narre Warren, Victoria. We offer a diverse menu of freshly prepared breakfast and lunch dishes, hot meals, sandwiches and other cafe favourites.

Our restaurant provides dine-in table service, with front-of-house waitstaff responsible for taking customers' orders, serving meals and beverages, and attending to customers throughout their dining experience. In addition to our dine-in restaurant service, we also offer takeaway options.

We are seeking an experienced Cook to join our kitchen team and contribute to the preparation and cooking of meals for our daily restaurant service. The successful applicant will be responsible for preparing a variety of menu items, maintaining consistent food quality and presentation, and supporting the efficient operation of our kitchen.

About the role

The Cook will undertake the day-to-day preparation of meals for Courtyard Cafe's breakfast and lunch service. The role involves preparing ingredients, operating commercial cooking equipment, cooking and presenting dishes to established standards, and ensuring appropriate food handling and hygiene practices.

This is an ongoing, full-time position based at Shop 2039, Westfield Fountain Gate, 25–55 Overland Drive, Narre Warren VIC 3805. The successful applicant will work a roster that may include weekends and public holidays, in accordance with the restaurant's trading requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare and cook a variety of breakfast, lunch and other menu dishes, including cooked breakfasts, savoury meals and freshly prepared hot food, using appropriate cooking techniques and equipment;

Inspect ingredients and food supplies for freshness, quality and suitability before preparation and cooking;

Prepare ingredients for daily service, including washing, cutting, portioning, marinating and seasoning vegetables, meats and other food items;

Operate and regulate commercial cooking equipment, including ovens, stovetops and grills, ensuring appropriate cooking temperatures and times for different dishes;

Season, portion, assemble and present meals in accordance with established recipes, serving sizes and presentation standards;

Prepare meals to accommodate customers' dietary requirements and reasonable menu modifications, including vegetarian options and identified food allergies or intolerances;

Organise ingredients and food preparation activities to ensure meals are prepared efficiently and consistently during busy breakfast and lunch service periods;

Coordinate with other kitchen employees and front-of-house staff to manage meal preparation, communicate special orders and ensure timely service to dine-in and takeaway customers;

Store, label and rotate ingredients and prepared foods appropriately, maintaining required refrigeration, storage temperatures and stock-handling procedures;

Assist with monitoring ingredient usage, estimating daily food requirements, checking stock levels and minimising food waste;

Maintain the cleanliness and safe operation of kitchen equipment, utensils, food preparation areas and cooking stations in accordance with applicable food safety and workplace health and safety requirements; and

Required qualifications, experience and skills

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

At least one (1) year of relevant experience working as a Cook in a commercial cafe, restaurant or comparable food service establishment;

A relevant AQF Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, AQF Certificate III with appropriate practical training, or an equivalent qualification.

Demonstrated experience independently preparing, seasoning and cooking a range of breakfast, lunch or similar meals in a commercial kitchen;

Proficiency in using commercial kitchen equipment and applying appropriate cooking methods, temperature controls and food preparation techniques;

Ability to maintain consistent food quality, portion sizes and presentation while managing multiple orders during busy service periods;

Sound understanding of food safety, personal hygiene, safe food storage, allergen management and kitchen sanitation requirements;

Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise preparation and cooking tasks;

Ability to work effectively with kitchen and front-of-house staff in a busy hospitality environment; and

Strong attention to detail, reliability and a commitment to maintaining food quality and customer satisfaction.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from all appropriately qualified candidates and will assess applicants fairly on their relevant qualifications, experience, skills and suitability for the position.

Please apply through the recruitment platform on which this advertisement appears and include:

A current resume setting out your relevant commercial cooking experience; and

A brief cover letter explaining your suitability for the role.

Shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide evidence of relevant qualifications and employment experience. Please submit your application through one recruitment platform only to avoid duplicate applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.