About

Nurcha Café is a well-loved plant-based café located in Birtinya, known for its wholesome menus, vibrant atmosphere, and commitment to sustainable, ethical dining. The café forms part of the wider Nurcha lifestyle brand, offering a welcoming environment where fresh, nourishing food meets holistic living. Our kitchen team focuses on flavourful vegan and vegetarian dishes, prepared with creativity, consistency, and care. We are now seeking a dedicated and experienced Chef to join our growing team. We are looking for a motivated Chef who can contribute to our menu offering, maintain high culinary standards, and ensure smooth daily operations within our busy café kitchen.

Chef – Nurcha Café, Birtinya QLD

Key Responsibilities
• Manage safe storage, preservation, and, where required, freezing of food items to reduce wastage and maintain freshness.
• Oversee the quality and consistency of dishes throughout preparation, cooking, plating, and final presentation.
• Coordinate with management, supervisors, and front-of-house staff to resolve food preparation queries and ensure service runs efficiently.
• Work closely with management to maintain smooth kitchen operations during busy periods, events, or menu transitions.
• Prepare and cook a wide range of plant-based, vegetarian, and health-focused dishes, ensuring alignment with Nurcha’s culinary philosophy.
• Develop seasonal and daily menu items suited to our café style, including costing of ingredients, portion control, and estimating labour needs to maintain profitability.
• Uphold strict food safety standards by promoting correct hygiene practices and ensuring compliance with kitchen cleaning schedules and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in staff training, onboarding, and skill development to support a capable and confident kitchen team.
• Assist with stock control, including ordering ingredients, monitoring deliveries, and maintaining optimal levels of fresh produce and dry goods.
• Guide junior team members by demonstrating effective cooking methods, offering practical instruction, and sharing best-practice kitchen techniques.
• Collaborate on menu improvement initiatives, introducing new recipes or refining existing dishes based on customer feedback and seasonal availability.
• Support kitchen efficiency by organising workflow, delegating tasks, and ensuring preparation areas remain clean, stocked, and well-organised.
• Contribute to Nurcha Café’s commitment to sustainable operations by minimising waste, using ingredients responsibly, and following eco-friendly practices.

Qualifications & Experience
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in a commercial kitchen environment.
• AQF associate degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).

Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 + Superannuation

Employment Type: Full-time (38 hours per week)

Personal Attributes
• Passionate about plant-based cuisine and creative menu development.
• Reliable, disciplined, and capable of working autonomously and within a team.
• Calm and efficient under pressure, particularly during peak service times.

How to Apply
If you are enthusiastic about wholesome food, enjoy working in a value-driven environment, and want to contribute to a café that embraces conscious living, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and relevant qualifications for consideration.