About The Joy Parade Café The Joy Parade Café is a locally beloved establishment located in the vibrant suburb of Blackburn, Victoria , known for its artisanal coffee, seasonal all-day brunch menu, and fresh, wholesome meals served in a relaxed and inclusive environment. We focus on innovation, consistency, and delivering exceptional café-style dining experiences. We are now seeking a qualified, experienced, and creative Chef to join our close-knit kitchen team and lead the food offering with skill and passion. About the Role We are offering a full-time position for an experienced Chef with strong background in modern café cuisine , capable of overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations. This role is critical to maintaining the café’s culinary standards and evolving our menu in line with seasonal produce and customer preferences. You will be responsible for designing dishes, managing kitchen operations, supervising junior kitchen staff, and ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance with hygiene and safety regulations. Key Responsibilities: Plan, develop, and execute creative and seasonally inspired café menus including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and baked goods Prepare, cook, and present high-quality meals with attention to plating and consistency Manage inventory, food cost control, supplier relationships, and portioning Lead and supervise the kitchen team, including training and mentoring junior staff and apprentices Ensure all kitchen operations comply with food safety standards (HACCP) and workplace health and safety requirements Monitor and maintain kitchen cleanliness, maintenance schedules, and daily operational standards Create efficient prep systems for high-volume weekend service Collaborate with café management on menu pricing, daily specials, and customer feedback Maintain consistency of food quality across dine-in and takeaway services Skills & Experience Required: Minimum 2 years’ full-time experience as a Chef in a busy café or restaurant environment, ideally with high-volume brunch service Proven experience in menu development, staff supervision, and kitchen leadership Formal qualifications such as Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent trade qualification Advanced knowledge of food preparation techniques, storage, food handling, and allergen awareness Demonstrated experience working in café kitchens with short-order items, baked goods, and hot/cold display food Confidence in running the kitchen autonomously during busy shifts Strong communication, time management, and team coordination skills Flexibility to work across a 7-day roster, including weekends and public holidays A genuine passion for high-quality, creative food and customer satisfaction Why Join Us: Opportunity to take creative lead in an evolving and respected local café Supportive and friendly team culture in a positive work environment Stable, full-time position with long-term growth opportunities Employer sponsorship available for eligible candidates under the Chef – ANZSCO 351311
