Chef - Western Suburbs (Brand New Centres)

Connect. Learn. Grow. with Aspire
Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten is seeking a passionate and experienced Centre Chef to join our growing team across Aintree, Harpley Werribee, Manor Lakes Village and Windermere Mambourin.

With Aintree,Harpley Werribee, Manor Lakes Village and Windermere Mambourin due to open over the next 2-3 months, this is an exciting opportunity to join Aspire during a significant period of growth and be part of brand-new centres from the very beginning. You will play a key role in helping establish kitchen operations, build menus, and contribute to the culture of each service as they open.

This is a permanent Monday to Friday role (no nights or weekends), ideal for an experienced chef who is passionate about creating fresh, nutritious meals for young children in an early learning environment. This role Starts at 25 hours per week, with opportunity to increase to 37.5 hours per week as occupancy grows

Why Join Aspire?
At Aspire, we are committed to creating workplaces where our people feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

• Brand-new, state-of-the-art centre kitchens opening over the next 2 months
• Monday to Friday role – no nights or weekends
• Starts at 25 hours per week, with opportunity to increase to 37.5 hours per week as occupancy grows
• 50% childcare gap fee discount at Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten centres
• Paid Birthday Leave
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Supportive leadership and positive team culture
• Opportunity to be part of new centre openings and shape kitchen operations from day one
• Competitive hourly rate and stable permanent employment

The Opportunity & Responsibilities
As a Centre Chef, you will play a key role in the daily operations of the centre kitchen, ensuring children receive high-quality, nutritious meals.
You will:

• Plan and prepare daily meals including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
• Cater for dietary requirements including allergies, intolerances, and anaphylaxis
• Develop balanced, nutritious menus aligned with early childhood nutrition guidelines
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards at all times
• Manage stock ordering and work within budget guidelines
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised kitchen environment
• Engage with educators, children, and families to support a strong centre community
• Contribute to a positive food culture within the service

About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (or higher)
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate & Safe Food Handling certification
• Previous experience as a Chef (early childhood experience highly regarded)
• Strong understanding of dietary requirements and food safety standards
• Ability to manage a kitchen independently from end-to-end
• Excellent organisation and time management skills
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Current Working With Children Check
• First Aid, Asthma & Anaphylaxis certification (or willingness to obtain)

Join Our Growing Team
If you're ready to bring your passion for food and nutrition into an early learning environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Be part of the opening teams at our brand-new centres in Harpley Werribee, Manor Lakes Village and Windermere Mambourin, all due to open over the next 2 months, or join our established team at Aintree.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape kitchen operations and centre culture from day one.

Apply today and help us shape the future of early learning nutrition at Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten.

Our Commitment
Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten is committed to child safety, inclusion, and diversity. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments for all children.
We value diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating culturally safe workplaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.