ARTARMON – FULL-TIME COOK

Explore & Develop Artarmon – Dickson Avenue

Full-Time | Purpose-Built Centre | September Start

Explore & Develop Artarmon is expanding to a second service in Dickson Ave Artarmon. Explore & Develop Artarmon – Dickson Avenue is a privately owned early childhood education and care service, currently seeking a passionate and professional Cook to join our team.

Our kitchen is the heart of the centre — a warm and welcoming space where meaningful interactions with children, families, and educators are encouraged every day.

As a new and growing service, we will gradually increase our enrolments to cater for up to 149 children per day, providing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-quality service from the ground up, alongside a leadership team with a proven record of excellence. Our sister centre, Explore & Develop Artarmon – Campbell Street, has proudly received an Exceeding rating from ACECQA for the third consecutive time.

What you'll do:

  • Plan and prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years
  • Maintain a clean, safe, hygienic and organised kitchen environment
  • Develop seasonal menus in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines
  • Cater for children with allergies, intolerances, and cultural dietary requirements
  • Work collaboratively with educators and families around children’s nutritional needs
  • Ensure full compliance with food safety, regulations and hygiene standards
  • Ordering – kitchen and centre consumables, including food supplies, nappies and cleaning chemicals.

What we're looking for:

  • Experience in cooking for large groups, ideally in a childcare or similar setting
  • Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
  • Understanding of children’s nutrition and dietary needs
  • Strong time management and organisational skills
  • Friendly, positive, and proactive approach
  • Passion for preparing nourishing meals and being part of a community-focused team
  • Excellent time management and organisational skills
  • Positive, reliable, and able to work independently
  • A genuine love of cooking and caring for children’s wellbeing

What we offer:

  • Be part of a supportive, passionate, and professional team
  • Work in a purpose-built service with a well-equipped kitchen
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • A welcoming workplace culture that values quality, connection, and care
  • Opportunity to be a valued part of a passionate team
  • Membership to our Employee Assistance Program, which offers access to confidential counselling if you need help in any area of your life

Apply Now

If you’re a dedicated cook who enjoys preparing wholesome meals and making a difference in children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you!

Please email your resume and a short cover letter to Alison Cross at alison.cross@exploreanddevelop.com.au

Child-safe Organisation:

Explore & Develop Artarmon – Dickson Avenue is committed to being a child safe organisation. We put children’s safety and wellbeing at the centre of our practices. Child safety is a shared responsibility; all employees must contribute to maintaining our child-safe culture and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children in our services and programs. As part of our commitment, successful applicants will undergo thorough screening processes prior to commencement and will be required to complete in-depth child safety and child protection training as part of their onboarding program.