Chef

Company Name: Astro Cafe & Diner Pty Ltd

Business Name: Trading as The Shed Café (Castle Hill)

Location: Castle Hill, NSW 2154

Position: Chef

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary: AUD 76,500 – 81,500 + superannuation

About Us:

Astro Cafe & Diner Pty Ltd, trading as The Shed Café (Castle Hill), is an established dine-in café and brunch destination located in Castle Towers Shopping Centre. Operating from a full commercial kitchen, our chef-driven à la carte menu features house-made dishes prepared from scratch daily, including signature all-day brunch plates, slow-cooked proteins, fresh pasta, gourmet burgers, grain and poké bowls, seasonal salads, share plates, house-baked goods and desserts, alongside specialty coffee and a curated beverage list. We also offer seasonal specials, dietary-tailored options, and catering for private functions. We pride ourselves on culinary quality, plating, consistency, and an elevated customer dining experience.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Chef to take responsibility for kitchen operations and the preparation of high-quality café-style meals. The role involves planning daily kitchen activities, overseeing food preparation, maintaining quality standards, and supervising kitchen staff to ensure efficient service during busy trading periods.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Plan and organise café menu items including breakfast meals, burgers, wraps, salads and light meals, while estimating food quantities and labour requirements.

·Develop and update menu items, including seasonal specials, cost dishes, set portion and yield standards, and liaise with suppliers to source quality ingredients.

1. Prepare and cook a wide range of café-style dishes such as breakfast items, burgers, wraps, salads, and light meals, ensuring consistency, quality and timely service.
2. Monitor the quality of dishes at all stages of preparation, cooking, and presentation to maintain high food standards.
3. Coordinate with management and front-of-house staff regarding menu updates, customer requests, and service flow during busy periods.
4. Demonstrate and apply appropriate cooking techniques and guide kitchen staff on preparation methods, portion control, and presentation standards.
5. Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, hygiene practices, and workplace health and safety standards within the kitchen.
6. Supervise and support kitchen staff during service, including assisting with training and maintaining efficient workflow
7. Manage stock levels by ordering food supplies, monitoring inventory, and ensuring proper storage and rotation of ingredients.
8. Implement proper storage, refrigeration, freezing and preservation methods to maintain food quality and minimise waste.
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Requirements:

1. Minimum 1 year of relevant experience as a Chef in a café or restaurant environment, ideally in a high-volume, quality-focused operation
2. Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, Diploma of Hospitality Management (or equivalent), or higher qualification in hospitality, culinary arts, or management
3. Strong understanding of menu planning, cost control, and food safety standards
4. Proven ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen while maintaining quality and presentation
5. Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen operations
6. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality
7. Strong communication and teamwork skills
8. Flexible availability including weekends and public holidays