Chef
- Responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen at Top End Takeaway and Pizza.
- Plan and develop menus while managing food and labour costs.
- Ensure food safety and hygiene standards are met.
Position: Chef
Type: Full Time (38 hours per week)
Employer: Bangalore Tiffin Room Pty Ltd trading as Top End Takeaway and Pizza
Location: St Arnaud VIC 3478
Salary: $80,000 – $84,000 per annum plus superannuation
About the Business
Top End Takeaway and Pizza is a family-friendly restaurant and takeaway on Napier Street in St Arnaud, serving the local community and visitors to the region seven days a week. The menu centres on handcrafted pizzas made from freshly prepared dough and quality toppings, alongside chicken dishes, fish and chips, burgers, grilled breads, desserts and meal combos, all prepared fresh to order for both dine-in guests and takeaway customers. The business is built on fresh ingredients, consistent flavour and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for families and friends, and its small, close-knit team works together to deliver quality food and friendly service from opening through the busy evening trade.
About the Position
The Chef is a new, full-time role reporting directly to the Owner and will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen at Top End Takeaway and Pizza. With the business trading from morning through to evening every day of the week, the Chef will plan and cost the menu, manage ordering and stock, oversee every stage of food preparation and presentation across the pizza, grill and fryer sections, and ensure the kitchen meets food safety and hygiene requirements. Working within a small team, the Chef will also lead by example in the kitchen, demonstrating techniques and guiding staff so that every dish leaving the pass meets the business’s standards for quality, freshness and consistency.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and develop menus, including pizzas, chicken dishes, fish and chips, burgers, grilled items, desserts and combos, taking into account seasonal produce, customer demand and profitability.
- Estimate food and labour costs for menu items and kitchen operations, and keep costs within budget.
- Order food supplies and ingredients, manage stock levels and rotation, and liaise with suppliers to maintain quality and continuity of supply.
- Monitor the quality of dishes at all stages of preparation, cooking and presentation, ensuring consistency in taste, portion size and appearance.
- Prepare and cook food across all sections of the kitchen, including dough preparation, pizza baking, grilling and frying.
- Discuss food preparation issues with the Owner and with kitchen and front-of-counter staff, including special dietary and allergen requirements, and resolve issues affecting service.
- Demonstrate cooking techniques and advise staff on cooking procedures, recipes and plating standards.
- Explain and enforce food safety and hygiene regulations, including safe food handling, temperature control, cleaning schedules and record keeping.
- Select and train kitchen staff as required, and supervise their work during service.
- Freeze and preserve foods where appropriate, ensuring correct labelling, storage and rotation to minimise waste.
Requirements
- Australian citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to apply.
- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma in Commercial Cookery, Hospitality Management or a related field.
- Minimum of one year of relevant experience as a Chef.
- Sound knowledge of menu planning, food and labour costing, stock control and supplier ordering.
- Thorough understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations, allergen management and kitchen record keeping.
- Practical skill across pizza, grill and fryer cooking, with the ability to maintain quality and speed during peak service.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to demonstrate techniques, train staff and work closely with the Owner.
- A customer-focused attitude, sound problem-solving ability and a commitment to consistency and presentation.
- Availability to work a roster that includes weekends, evenings and public holidays.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their resume, including a valid email address, through this online portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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