Cook in Melbourne

Bar-b-q Nation (operated by Mahadev Hospitality) is an authentic dining destination located in Werribee, delivering rich, traditional barbeque flavours and memorable culinary experiences.

We are currently seeking a passionate, reliable, and qualified cook (ANZSCO 351411) to join our dynamic kitchen team.

Operating across peak lunch and dinner shifts, we offer a high-volume, collaborative environment for a skilled professional committed to culinary excellence and food safety standards.

What we offer

• $79,500 base salary per annum (guaranteed on a standard 38-hour week, paid fortnightly) + 12% superannuation.
• Full-time permanent contract offering job security and statutory leave entitlements (annual leave, personal leave).
• Supportive kitchen culture with opportunities for ongoing career development and culinary skill enhancement.
• Opportunities for long-term career growth, professional advancement, and leadership development within our expanding culinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Examine raw foodstuffs, fresh produce, poultry, seafood, and meats upon receipt to verify freshness and strict adherence to HACCP hygiene protocols.
• Regulate and monitor operating temperatures of commercial ovens, grills, fryers, char-broilers, and other cooking equipment to maintain consistent cooking quality and safety.
• Prepare, season during the cooking process, and cook a wide variety of quality dishes in accordance with established kitchen recipes and portion guidelines.
• Accurately portion food, arrange items onto plates or serving platters, and add gravies, sauces, and garnishes to ensure proper presentation before table delivery.
• Prepare and cook modified dishes to safely cater to special dietary requirements, including severe food allergies, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan requests.
• Store raw ingredients, prepared batches, and cooked items in designated temperature-controlled cool rooms and freezers, adhering strictly to stock rotation (FIFO) guidelines.
• Assist senior kitchen management with planning daily specials, estimating ingredient requirements, monitoring inventory levels, and minimising food wastage.
• Assist in guiding and training apprentices, kitchen hands, and junior team members in food preparation techniques, kitchen cleanliness, and workplace safety.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation across all prep benches, cooking stations, and storage areas in compliance with state food safety and OHS standards.
• Skill & Experience
• AQF Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (incorporating at least two years of on-the-job training), AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of documented relevant commercial cookery experience.
• Valid Food Handler / Food Safety Supervisor certification.
• Minimum of 1 to 2 years of relevant post-qualification commercial cookery experience in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, or catering setting.
• Strong command of commercial cookery techniques, station organisation, knife skills, and high-volume service delivery.
• Fluent English language proficiency, suitable for clear communication in safety-critical team environments and immigration compliance requirements.
• Ability to handle physical demands, stand for extended periods, and perform effectively under high-demand service periods.