Experienced Cafe Chef / Cook – Daytime

Tailor Your Resume for this Job

Experienced Cafe Chef / Cook – Daytime Monday to Friday

Neko Geelong | Geelong CBD

Neko Geelong is looking for an experienced, reliable and organised Cafe Chef / Cook to join our small team.

We are a Japanese and Asian-inspired cafe operating Monday to Friday in Geelong CBD.

This role would suit someone who is confident in a fast-paced cafe kitchen, works well independently and takes pride in keeping their section organised, clean and consistent.

For the right person, there is an opportunity to develop into a trusted Kitchen Lead, taking greater responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen.

Key responsibilities

• Preparing and cooking our breakfast and lunch menu
• Managing daily prep, mise en place and service priorities
• Running an efficient and organised kitchen service
• Maintaining consistency in food quality, presentation and portioning
• Managing kitchen stock, ordering and receiving deliveries
• Monitoring stock rotation, food waste and prep levels
• Maintaining food safety, cleanliness and kitchen organisation
• Completing thorough end-of-day cleaning and closing procedures
• Supporting and guiding other kitchen staff
• Communicating effectively with FOH and management
• Helping improve kitchen systems, workflow and efficiency

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Solid experience in a cafe, restaurant or similar commercial kitchen
• Strong organisation and time-management skills
• Confidence managing prep and service without constant supervision
• Experience with stock control and ordering
• Strong food safety and cleanliness standards
• Good communication and teamwork
• The ability to remain calm and organised during busy periods
• Reliability and punctuality
• A proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility
• An interest in Japanese or Asian-inspired food

Formal qualifications are welcomed, but practical ability, reliability and attitude are equally important to us.

What is important to us

Neko operates with a small team, so reliability and teamwork are extremely important.

We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, notices what needs attention and can keep the kitchen running smoothly without needing constant direction.

Our kitchen is extensively cleaned every day, so maintaining high cleaning standards and completing closing properly are essential parts of the role.

Hours

• Permanent part-time
• Approximately 30–35 hours per week
• Monday to Friday
• Daytime operation
• No dinner service
• No weekend shifts

Pay

$32–$35 per hour + super, depending on experience, capability and level of responsibility.

This equates to approximately $50,000–$64,000 per year + super, depending on the agreed weekly hours and hourly rate.

For the right person, there is an opportunity to take greater ownership of kitchen operations, including stock management, ordering and progression into a Kitchen Lead role.

What we offer

• Stable and consistent weekday hours
• Daytime hospitality
• A small, established team
• Japanese and Asian-inspired food
• Opportunity to take genuine ownership of kitchen operations
• Opportunity to contribute ideas and improve kitchen systems
• Potential progression into a Kitchen Lead role

If you are an experienced cook or chef who enjoys an organised kitchen, takes responsibility for your work and is looking for a stable daytime role with genuine ownership, we would like to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a short introduction outlining your recent kitchen experience and what you are looking for in your next role.

Pay: $32.00 – $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 37.0 per week

Work Location: In person