Chef

About the Business:

Open seven days a week, Cafe Va Bene serves a diverse clientele seeking hearty breakfasts, fresh lunches, and satisfying dinners crafted from quality ingredients.

About the Role:

Cafe Va Bene is currently seeking a qualified full-time Chef, offering an annual salary in the range of $75,000 to $85,000 plus superannuation, depending on skills and experience. The successful applicant will be responsible for preparing a range of authentic dishes aligned with the café’s Italian heritage and contemporary Australian café culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan menus and daily specials in alignment with seasonal ingredients and customer preferences, with a focus on Italian and modern Australian cuisine.
• Estimate food and labour costs and manage the procurement of food supplies and kitchen stock.
• Monitor the quality, consistency, and presentation of dishes throughout all stages of preparation and service.
• Prepare and cook a range of Italian and Australian meals using traditional and contemporary techniques.
• Demonstrate cooking methods and provide guidance to kitchen staff on food preparation procedures.
• Liaise with management and front-of-house staff to resolve food preparation and service issues.
• Implement and enforce hygiene, cleanliness, and workplace health and safety regulations in the kitchen.
• May be involved in the selection, training, and supervision of junior kitchen staff.
• May support the freezing, storing, and preservation of ingredients and pre-prepared items to ensure service efficiency.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality produce and ingredients.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure all appliances are in safe, working condition.
• Assist in developing and standardising recipes and portion sizes to ensure consistency and cost control.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Certificate III and Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
• Diploma of Hospitality Management
• Minimum 1 year of experience working in Australia as a professional Chef

Note: Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents are preferred.