Cook

Location: Russo Sapore, Seddon VIC
Employment Type: Casual
Reports To: Head Chef

About the Role

Russo Sapore is seeking a reliable and experienced Cook to join our kitchen team.

The Cook will assist with the preparation and service of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, while maintaining consistent food quality, presentation, cleanliness and kitchen organisation.

This role suits someone who is comfortable working in a busy restaurant and café environment, can follow recipes and kitchen procedures, and works well as part of a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present menu items to the required standard.
• Follow recipes, portion sizes and presentation guidelines consistently.
• Assist with breakfast, lunch and dinner service as required.
• Complete food preparation before and during service.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and correctly.
• Maintain a clean, organised and hygienic workstation.
• Follow food safety, allergen and cross-contamination procedures.
• Store, label, rotate and date food correctly.
• Assist with stock rotation and minimise food waste.
• Monitor food quality and advise the Head Chef of any stock or quality issues.
• Assist with cleaning duties, including kitchen equipment, benches, floors and storage areas.
• Work efficiently during busy service periods.
• Communicate clearly with chefs, kitchen staff and front-of-house staff.
• Assist with receiving and putting away deliveries when required.
• Follow workplace health and safety procedures at all times.
• Perform other reasonable kitchen duties as directed by the Head Chef or management.

Skills and Experience

The successful applicant should have:

• Previous experience working as a Cook or in a commercial kitchen.
• Experience preparing and cooking food during restaurant service.
• Good understanding of food safety and kitchen hygiene.
• Ability to work quickly and calmly in a busy environment.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to food quality and presentation.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings and public holidays where required.

Experience with Italian cuisine, pasta, pizza, breakfast or café-style cooking will be highly regarded.

Qualifications

• Relevant cookery qualifications are desirable but not essential where the applicant has suitable commercial kitchen experience.
• Food Safety or Food Handler training is highly regarded.

The role involves:

• Standing for extended periods.
• Working in a hot and fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Lifting and carrying kitchen supplies and equipment.
• Repetitive preparation and cooking tasks.

We are looking for someone who:

• Takes pride in the food they prepare.
• Maintains a clean and organised kitchen.
• Works efficiently without compromising quality.
• Communicates respectfully with the team.
• Is willing to learn and follow Russo Sapore's kitchen systems and standards.
• Is dependable and ready to contribute during busy services.

About Russo Sapore

Russo Sapore is a café and restaurant in Seddon, operating across breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our menu combines café favourites with Italian-inspired dishes, pasta, pizza and restaurant-style dining.

As part of our partnership with Russo Estate, we are focused on creating a welcoming neighbourhood venue with quality food, wine and service.

Pay: $30.00 – $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 20.0 per week

Work Location: In person