Centre Cook

Role overview

Hume City Council is among Australia’s most rapidly expanding and culturally varied local councils, with a strong focus on community and customer service. The organisation is seeking a capable and enthusiastic Centre Cook for Craigieburn Early Childhood Services, a 75-place centre in Craigieburn. The service supports children aged 0 to 5 years, operating from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm across 50 weeks each year.

This is a permanent part-time position for 26 hours per week. The offered salary is $71,490 per annum plus superannuation.

Working pattern

The usual weekly roster is:

• Monday: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
• Tuesday: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
• Wednesday: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm
• Thursday: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm
• Friday: 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Key duties

• Prepare a varied range of healthy meals and snacks for children, ensuring they align with nutritional needs, cultural preferences, the National Quality Standards, and the centre’s food policy.
• Create menus for children that account for individual dietary needs such as allergies and cultural requirements, while also making best use of fresh seasonal produce and keeping costs under control.
• Develop a six-week menu plan covering all food and drinks, together with anticipated costings.
• Liaise with food suppliers to support efficient ordering and consistent delivery of quality ingredients and service.
• Keep the kitchen clean and hygienic, and follow the health and safety obligations set out under the Food Act 2010 for purchasing, preparation, serving, storage, and cleaning.
• Keep all Food Act 2010 and centre food safety program records current and complete.
• Track and document food-program finances, including budgets, food purchases, credit card transactions, and reconciliations.
• Guide staff in safe and effective food handling practices.
• Maintain service menu and nutrition displays so they remain current, professional, and well presented.
• Attend staff meetings, planning sessions, and training as needed to stay compliant with Food Act 2010 requirements.
• Take part in internal and external food audits when required.
• Participate in ongoing training to maintain compliance with food safety obligations.
• Ensure all equipment is kept safe, clean, and hygienic in line with Food Act 2010 standards.

Experience and capabilities

• Proven background in preparing appealing, nutritious meals for large groups of children, including those with specific dietary needs.
• Experience designing and delivering menus that reflect cultural diversity and varied dietary requirements.
• Strong people skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to collaborate well within a team.
• Demonstrated skill in monitoring spending against budgets, including keeping accurate records of credit card use and reconciliations.
• Current Working with Children Check.

Qualifications

• Current Level 2 First Aid certificate, with Asthma and Anaphylaxis training.
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.

About the employer

Hume City Council promotes an inclusive and collaborative culture built around four values: improving every day, working together, showing up, and putting the Hume community first. The council offers a competitive salary package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive workplace.

Additional information

This is a child-safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. Applications are encouraged from people of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Successful candidates must complete background and probity checks, including reference checks, a Working with Children Check, and a criminal record check.

For queries, contact careers@hume.vic.gov.au.