About

About Us
M & O Cafe and Tapas is a vibrant coastal dining spot in Cowes, known for its fresh, contemporary dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Combining classic café favourites with Spanish-inspired tapas, we pride ourselves on delivering memorable dining experiences for locals and visitors alike. As our business continues to grow, we are now seeking a passionate Chef to join our culinary team.

Location: 1/14 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC 3922
Position: Chef – Full-Time
Salary: $76,000 – $80,000 + Superannuation

About the Role
The Chef will play an integral role in planning, preparing, and executing a variety of high-quality dishes, while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations in the kitchen. You will collaborate with the team on menu development and lead by example in maintaining food quality, safety, and consistency.

Key Responsibilities
1. Plan, prepare, and cook dishes across café and tapas menus to established standards.
2. Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff during service, ensuring efficiency and quality.
3. Develop seasonal menus and specials, incorporating fresh and local ingredients.
4. Check the freshness, quality, and portion control of all food items.
5. Ensure compliance with food hygiene, safety, and WHS regulations.
6. Monitor stock levels, manage ordering, and reduce wastage.
7. Train, mentor, and support junior cooks and kitchen staff.
8. Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient kitchen environment.
9. Work closely with management to maintain cost controls and customer satisfaction.

Skills & Experience
1. Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent qualification.
2. Minimum 1–2 years’ experience as a Chef in a busy commercial kitchen.
3. Strong knowledge of café-style cuisine, tapas, and modern cooking techniques.
4. Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
5. Excellent teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
6. Passion for food, creativity, and delivering an outstanding dining experience.

How to Apply
If you’re an experienced and enthusiastic Chef who loves working in a vibrant kitchen and creating dishes that leave a lasting impression, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and cover letter to us and we will get back to you if you are a potential fit.