Cook Full Time NEW

Position: Cook

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $76,000 to $79,000 plus superannuation per annum

Location: Melton West VIC 3337

Our client is seeking The Coffee Club at Woodgrove Shopping Centre is seeking a skilled and motivated Cook to join their kitchen team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, cooking and presenting a wide range of café and restaurant-style menu items to the highest standard, ensuring consistency in food quality, taste and presentation in line with The Coffee Club brand standards. The Cook will work closely with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff to deliver an exceptional dining experience for all guests.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Cook will be required to perform the following duties:

Food Preparation and Cooking

• Prepare, cook and present a full range of café-style dishes including breakfast, lunch, snacks and beverages in accordance with The Coffee Club menu and recipes
• Prepare fresh ingredients including chopping, slicing, dicing, marinating and portioning food items in advance to meet service requirements
• Cook food using various techniques including grilling, frying, baking, steaming, sautéing and assembling cold dishes
• Ensure all dishes are plated and presented to the required standards before being served to customers
• Monitor food quality at all stages of preparation and cooking to ensure consistency in taste, texture and appearance
• Assist in the development and testing of new menu items and seasonal specials as directed by management

Kitchen Operations and Workflow

• Manage and organise workstation setup and mise en place at the beginning of each shift to ensure efficient service
• Coordinate cooking times and priorities to ensure all menu items are ready in a timely manner during peak and off-peak service periods
• Communicate effectively with kitchen colleagues and front-of-house staff regarding order status, special dietary requirements and menu modifications
• Assist in training and supervising junior kitchen staff and kitchen hands as required
• Adapt cooking techniques and processes to cater for special dietary requirements including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and allergen-aware meal preparation

Food Safety and Hygiene

• Maintain strict compliance with food safety standards, hygiene practices and workplace health and safety regulations at all times
• Ensure the kitchen, workstations, equipment and storage areas are kept clean, sanitised and organised in accordance with food safety plans and health regulations
• Monitor and record food temperatures for storage, cooking and holding in accordance with HACCP requirements
• Ensure correct labelling, dating and storage of all food items including raw ingredients, prepared foods and leftovers to prevent contamination and waste
• Report any food safety concerns, equipment faults or hazards to management promptly

Stock and Inventory Management

• Assist in monitoring stock levels of food ingredients, condiments and kitchen supplies, and notify management when replenishment is required
• Receive and inspect food deliveries to ensure quality, freshness and accuracy of orders, and store items correctly upon arrival
• Minimise food wastage through accurate portioning, proper storage techniques and efficient use of ingredients
• Conduct regular stock rotation using FIFO (first in, first out) principles to maintain freshness and reduce wastage

General Kitchen Duties

• Perform end-of-shift cleaning duties including cleaning of cooking equipment, benches, floors and storage areas
• Wash, clean and sanitise cooking utensils, pots, pans and kitchen equipment as required
• Assist with other reasonable kitchen duties as directed by the Head Chef or Kitchen Manager
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions as required

REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The following skills and qualifications are required for this position:

• Minimum 12 months of experience working as a Cook or in a similar commercial kitchen role
• Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) or equivalent qualification
• AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma in Hospitality
• Sound knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods and kitchen operations
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and HACCP practices
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced environment during peak service periods
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to multitask
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a kitchen team
• Flexibility to work various shifts including early mornings, weekends and public holidays as required
• Food Safety Supervisor certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience in a café or restaurant environment is highly desirable.

REMUNERATION AND CONDITIONS

• Award – Restaurant Industry Award 2020 [MA000119]
• Classification – Cook Grade 3 or above (commensurate with experience)
• Employment Type – Full-Time
• Hours – 38 ordinary hours per week
• Penalty Rates – Applicable weekend, public holiday and overtime rates as per the Award
• Leave Entitlements – Annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, and other entitlements as per the Fair Work Act 2009