Café Cook

About the Company We are a vibrant café known for our commitment to quality and innovation in the culinary arts. As we expand our menu to include both Western and Chinese cuisines, we are excited to welcome a new Café Cook to our dynamic team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is not only passionate about cooking but also eager to contribute to a collaborative environment. About the Role As a Café Cook, you will play a pivotal role in the development and preparation of our menu. This full-time position starts at 30 hours per week, with opportunities for additional hours as we grow. You will be involved in menu innovation, hands-on cooking, and mentoring our kitchen staff in the art of preparing Chinese dishes alongside our established offerings. Key Responsibilities Menu Development and Innovation You will be encouraged to share your creative ideas for new dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques, particularly as we introduce Chinese cuisine to our menu. Your contributions will help us develop innovative recipes, including desserts and baked goods, that complement our new offerings. Cooking, Baking, and Preparation Your primary responsibility will be to prepare and cook a variety of dishes, with a strong emphasis on Chinese cuisine, such as fried rice, stir-fries, and noodle bowls. You will also prepare desserts and bakery items, ensuring that all dishes meet our high standards by following established recipes and guidelines. Training and Mentoring In this role, you will assist in training and supervising kitchen staff, helping them to learn and master new skills related to the preparation of Chinese cuisine, desserts, and bakery items. Your efforts will help improve workflow efficiency as we integrate these new products into our daily operations. Quality Control You will monitor the quality and presentation of all food, particularly the newly introduced Chinese dishes and desserts, to ensure they meet customer expectations. Consistency in taste, adherence to portion sizes, and compliance with new recipe standards will be key elements of your responsibilities. Inventory and Cost Management Managing kitchen inventory effectively will be essential to minimizing waste and controlling food costs, especially concerning ingredients for our new Chinese cuisine and dessert supplies. You will support management in streamlining kitchen operations, particularly during peak hours. Food Safety and Sanitation Maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment is crucial. You will uphold food safety and sanitation standards, ensuring proper handling of ingredients for our new dishes and compliance with health and safety regulations at all times. Requirements - Availability to work a flexible roster, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. - A minimum of one year of experience in a commercial kitchen. - Proven knowledge of Chinese cuisine through relevant work experience, on-the-job training, or occupational credentials. - A keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic. - Physical fitness to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment, including the ability to lift heavy objects and stand for extended periods. - Commitment to personal cleanliness and high hygiene standards. - The successful candidate will be required to pass a police check and drug test. If you hold a temporary New Zealand visa, please include your visa type and expiration date in your application. Benefits Joining our team offers you the chance to work in a supportive and creative environment, where your culinary skills will be valued and nurtured. We provide opportunities for professional growth as we expand our menu offerings and enhance our café experience.