Chef / Cook - Common Bean Cafe

Banksia Gardens Community Services (BGCS) provides support to children, young people, adults and families through a range of place-based programs. We are a vibrant community service organisation located in Broadmeadows that have been in operation since 1979. Our vision is transformed lives, strengthened communities and reduced disadvantage.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen across the Common Bean cafés and catering services. The role works with the Circular Economy & Sustainability team to ensure café practices align with Banksia Gardens Community Services’ sustainability objectives, while also supporting young people to build practical skills and awareness around sustainable hospitality and food systems.

responsibilities include:

Food preparation and kitchen operations: Support the preparation and delivery of high-quality food across cafés, catering and community activities, including menu planning, presentation, kitchen workflow and cost control.

Catering: Support the preparation and coordination of catering to ensure orders are delivered on time and to a high standard for internal and external clients.

Training and participant support: Provide practical kitchen training and support to Good Start participants, trainees and volunteers to build workplace skills, confidence and employability.

Food safety, WHS and compliance: Maintain safe and compliant kitchen and café environments in line with food safety, workplace health and safety and organisational requirements.

Administration, stock and reporting: Support day-to-day kitchen administration, stock ordering and inventory control to maintain appropriate stock levels and minimise waste.

Sustainability: Support sustainable kitchen practices through the use of Common Green produce, waste reduction, recycling and composting.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement: Work collaboratively with BGCS teams and support the promotion of Common Bean cafés and catering services.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery.
• Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Minimum 2 years demonstrated experience as a chef or cook in a commercial kitchen.
• 3-5 years working in the hospitality industry.
• Experience preparing food for cafés and/or catering.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to mentoring and supporting young people.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Join a passionate and dedicated team making a positive difference in our community.
• Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives, including confidential counselling services, through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Salary packaging and novated lease arrangements on offer with leading provider, AccessPay, reducing your tax.

Our organisation is proud to serve the City of Hume, one of the most culturally diverse places in the whole of Australia. BGCS is committed to human rights, gender equity and fundamental freedoms, in particular the rights of minorities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the LGBTQIA+ community.

We genuinely acknowledge and respect everyone’s individual values, beliefs, efforts, ideas, language and cultural and religious backgrounds and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

BGCS is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment.

A position description is attached.