ECE Centre Cook (BestStart Queenstown)
BestStart Queenstown is on the lookout for a passionate and dedicated Centre Cook to join our vibrant and close-knit team. Located in the heart of Queenstown, our centre thrives on strong relationships with whānau and our wider community.
About the Role:
We are seeking someone who can provide fresh, nutritious, and appealing meals for our children each day. The kitchen is centrally located in the centre, so you’ll need to be comfortable interacting with children, answering questions from our tamariki, and being part of the daily buzz.
This is a permanent position, working 30 hours per week, Monday - Friday with flexible hours. Ideally, we’d love someone who can start around 7.30am, but we can offer flexibility for the right person.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, prepare, and cook healthy and culturally diverse meals for children, including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
- Ensure all meals meet the nutritional needs of young children
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, food safety, and cleanliness in the kitchen
- Manage food ordering within budget and keep records as needed
- Engage with children positively as you work in an open, child-friendly kitchen environment
What We’re Looking For:
- Previous experience in cooking or a similar food service role is essential
- Experience working with children is a bonus
- A passion for healthy, child-friendly food
- Good understanding of allergies and dietary needs
- Familiarity with health and safety standards in a kitchen
- Confidence with basic computer tasks, such as menu planning and placing orders
What We Offer:
- Paid Food Handling Certificate
- Access to Whare Ako – our online learning platform
- Professional development support if you wish to advance your career
- $2000 referral bonus if you refer a qualified teacher*
- Discounted childcare
Health and wellbeing benefits including:
- Subsidised Southern Cross health insurance*
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Confidential counselling support via EAP
- Wellbeing programme
- Sick leave from your first day
- An extra week of leave after 10 years of service
How to Apply: Click Apply Now to join a supportive team where collaboration, care, and a passion for learning are at the heart of everything we do.
