A position has become available for a full-time Cook. Commencement asap. 

Erasmus Primary School is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational school of primary education with an enrolment of 96 students. The School is a Child Safe and equal employment opportunity employer.  Established in 1996 by the School of Philosophy Melbourne, it is part of a worldwide network of schools that all share the same guiding ethos, which acknowledges that every person shares the same universal essence and that given the right conditions, all have the capacity to grow to their full potential. 

The school offers philosophy, meditation and mindfulness practices. In addition, all children and staff sit down together daily to eat a freshly and lovingly prepared, vegetarian morning tea and lunch. 

We aim to realise our motto, Let Your Light Shine.  We aim to let the light of each and every child shine.

The successful applicant: 

• will be part of the existing Kitchen Team

• work a 5 days per week. E.g. 7:30am - 3:30pm Monday to Friday (times are negotiable for the right candidate).

• On limited occasions, there are school functions that will require compulsory work outside these hours including nights or weekends.

• The role includes 8 weeks annual leave in line with our school holidays.

• will work under the guidance of the principal and must have: 

• an affinity with and commitment to the philosophy and values of the school

• the ability to work independently and as part of a team

• strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to structure, plan and manage priorities effectively

• a professional approach to service and can communicate proactively, effectively and with sensitivity with staff, families and students

• experience in Microsoft Office Suite

• confidence working with technology

• capacity for self-reflection.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Work with the Kitchen Team to ensure smooth daily running of the kitchen.

• Provide support to kitchen team members and volunteers (students’ parents)

• Produce a wide variety of vegetarian culinary offerings, catering for any dietary needs

• Order and control stock and manage costs in line with school requirements and budgets

• Develop and mentor the team of parent volunteers to deliver to the highest standards

• Champion the significance and accurate implementation of allergy awareness controls

• Ensure operations comply with OH&S and food safety guidelines

• Liaise with the principal or management team regarding planning and operations

• Engage with the attendees during school functions and events

• Develop a solid understanding of the requirements of the school and students, whilst maintaining strong attention to detail.

The successful applicant will demonstrate the following:

• Cook's trade qualifications (Certificate III) with 5+ years experience

• Experience with vegetarian meals considered an advantage 

• A proven ability to deliver a range of menus including canapes, plated lunches, buffets and themed special events

• Confidently comfortable working under pressure

• Able to work unsupervised and to tight deadlines

• Thorough knowledge of all kitchen procedures and operations

• Ability to modify existing or design & implement new systems and processes 

• Strong understanding of Food Safety, OH&S, & HACCP regulations

• Team leadership skills, including onboarding, training, communication, and performance management

• Demonstrate the ability to work with a team of volunteers and casuals

• Professional approach to problem solving in high pressure environments

• Passionate about the delivery of exceptional, nutritional meals that are child-friendly whilst also catering for adults 

• Experience in following weekly production sheets, managing stock rotation and ordering.

• Positive, energetic and friendly attitude

• Must reside and hold working rights within Australia

• Working with Children Check required once hired (reimbursed by school)

• Current driver’s licence is compulsory.

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE

• Able to demonstrate expertise in using a computer and Microsoft Office suite

• Have prior experience in a commercial/school kitchen environment and/or a post-secondary qualification 

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

• Food Safety Supervisor current certificate

• Hold a current Working with Children and Police Check 

• Prior experience in a primary school setting highly regarded 

• Current First Aid Certificate preferred.

Summary

• Work during school hours – after hours and weekend work only required for a few school functions/events

• 8 weeks annual leave per year

• Benefits for applicants with primary school-aged children

• Caring and loving environment, with children’s care and wellbeing at the heart of all we do.

The Cook reports directly to the principal.

Applications, including a resume and covering letter, should be submitted by 5.00pm Wednesday 17 December 2025 to the principal, via email: principal@erasmus.vic.edu.au

Erasmus Primary School reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

Applicants should familiarise themselves with Erasmus Primary School’s Child Safety policies and procedures available on our website. Erasmus Primary School adheres to Child Safe standards.