Centre Chef / Cook – Premium Childcare Centre | Creativity, Quality & Community
All-Star Kids Early Learning Centre | Geelong
Are you someone who genuinely loves feeding people, creating beautiful food, and taking pride in what leaves your kitchen each day?
We are seeking an enthusiastic and passionate Centre Chef / Cook to join our team at a premium early learning centre in Geelong. This is not your standard childcare kitchen role. We are known for the exceptional quality food that comes out of our kitchen, and we are looking for someone who wants to continue that standard and make it even better.
If you’re looking for a role where your food is appreciated, your ideas are welcomed, your work-life balance is respected, and you can be part of something special - keep reading.
Why This Role is Different
At our 53-place centre, food is a huge part of the experience we provide for children, families and staff. Meals are not an afterthought here.
* We prioritise quality ingredients and quality presentation
* Meals are beautifully prepared and served on platters in our communal dining spaces
* Children dine in two sittings:
o Babies & Toddlers
o Kindergarten
* We have no “bare minimum” food budget mindset - we invest in quality ingredients and doing things properly
* Food is part of our culture, not just a compliance task
This is a centre where people notice and appreciate the effort that goes into every meal.
About the Role
You’ll lead our kitchen operations across morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, snacks and daily kitchen routines, while being part of a warm and supportive leadership team.
You’ll also enjoy the fun side of the role, including:
* Preparing daily staff lunches
* Baking birthday cupcakes with children, celebrating their special day
* Running fun cooking experiences linked to events, themes and celebrations
* Bringing your own flair to menus and seasonal food ideas
Support You’ll Receive
You won’t be left on your own.
You’ll receive direct support from our:
* General Manager (Food Safety Supervisor)
* Approved Provider
* Centre Manager
Our menu is professionally developed with input from a qualified nutritionist and runs on a 4-week seasonal rotation, but we’d love someone who can bring creativity, fresh ideas and passion to continue evolving it.
If you don’t know every detail of food safety compliance in childcare yet — that’s okay. We will teach and support you.
What We’re Looking For
We want someone who:
* Loves cooking and takes pride in feeding others
* Brings energy, positivity and initiative
* Wants ownership and accountability over their kitchen
* Enjoys being around children and part of a wider team
* Understands presentation matters
* Is organised, reliable and consistent
* Wants to deliver the best, not the minimum
Preferred Experience
* Experience as a chef, cook, café cook or similar kitchen role
or
* A genuine personal passion and talent for cooking
Highly regarded:
* Food Safety Supervisor certification (preferred, not essential)
* Experience in childcare, schools, aged care or volume food service
* Confidence planning and preparing nutritious meals
Hours & Flexibility
* Approximately 30–32.5 hours per week
* Monday to Friday only - must be available all 5 days
* Flexible shifts between 8:00am – 3:00pm
* No night, No weekends
Additional hours may be available for applicants who hold a relevant childcare qualification or are willing to work towards one.
Why Join Us?
* Great daytime hours and work-life balance
* Stable permanent role
* Be valued for your work
* Creative freedom within a supported structure
* Amazing team culture
* Opportunity to make a genuine impact on children every day
* A kitchen where standards matter
Apply Now
If you’re ready for a role where your cooking is valued, your ideas are welcomed, and your work genuinely matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now with your resume and a short cover letter telling us why this role excites you.
Please note: we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have unrestricted working rights in Australia.