Early Learning Centre Cook / Chef

ROLE SUMMARY:

ACG Parnell Preschool in Auckland is the beginning of an exceptional educational journey for preschool children. Nestled beside the Auckland Domain, our purpose-built preschool and childcare centre offers a nurturing environment with premium facilities where children can learn, play, and grow with confidence.

We recognise the crucial role nutrition plays in children’s development and learning in childcare, which is why our in-house catering service provides healthy, balanced meals and snacks daily. Our menus are designed to meet nutritional guidelines while introducing children to a variety of foods and flavours. We accommodate dietary requirements and allergies, ensuring that all children can fully participate in mealtimes and cooking activities.

We are recruiting an experienced Centre Cook to support the nutritional needs of our students.  This is an exciting opportunity to join an established team and lead our nutritional programme.  

This is a permanent/full-time position located in Parnell, Monday-Friday (7:30am - 4pm).  On-site parking available.  If you are passionate about nutrition, wellbeing, and early childhood education, we would love to hear from you!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Weekly menu planning, taking into consideration all dietary requirements and operating within the centre’s nutritional framework.
• Daily preparation of meals (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and snacks).
• Close monitoring of special dietary requirements.
• Ensure all dietary requirements are clearly documented and communicated to staff.
• Manage ingredient and stock inventories to ensure supplies are always on hand.
• Observe strict hygiene and food safety protocols in the preparation, handling, serving, and clearing of food.
• Wash/sterilise dishes in main kitchen and return to rooms.
• Maintain positive interactions with staff, children, and families/whanau at all times.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Previous experience cooking in an early childhood or school kitchen setting is preferred.
• A Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or equivalent) is required.
• Strong understanding of allergy management and safe food handling practices in line with ECE requirements is essential.
• Ideally, the candidate will hold a New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3 or 4) or equivalent qualification.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Strong ethical and moral values.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.