Chef – Refettorio

About OzHarvest:

OzHarvest is a leading food rescue organisation on a mission to ‘Nourish our Country’ by stopping good food from going to waste and delivering it to charities that help feed people in need. Through our education programs and our advocacy work, we hope to inspire others to change their behaviour and help reach the national target of halving food waste by 2030.

About Refettorio OzHarvest:

Refettorio OzHarvest is a vibrant, world leading social impact community hub created in partnership with Massimo Bottura’s Food for Soul. Here, rescued and donated ingredients are transformed into beautiful, nourishing meals, served with dignity in a welcoming, community centred space.

By day, we offer a three course, fine dining style experience for people in need. Two nights a week, the Refettorio hosts public facing pay it forward dinners or private events that showcases what’s possible when creativity, sustainability and hospitality come together.

As a Chef at Refettorio, you’ll help bring our daily menus to life using rescued ingredients, crafting thoughtful, delicious meals that honour our guests and our mission. You’ll work closely with our kitchen team to prepare, cook and plate dishes that meet Refettorio standards. All while supporting a warm, collaborative and purpose‑driven kitchen culture.

This hands‑on role is perfect for someone who is passionate about food, community and sustainability. If you want your cooking to create real social impact, this is the place to do it

At the Refettorio, food is a catalyst for dignity, connection and community. In this role, your creativity will help nourish people who need it most, your leadership will support a dedicated team, and your presence will contribute to a warm, values driven culture. Every day, you’ll see the tangible impact of your work on plates, in people, and across the community we serve.

Why join us?

This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to use your skills for something that truly matters.

At the Refettorio, every plate has purpose. You’ll join a mission driven team working to reduce food waste, nourish people who need it most, and build a more sustainable and equitable food system. Here, cooking becomes an act of care, dignity and genuine connection.

The primary role of Grade 4 Chef is to carry out food preparation and kitchen duties, together with managing relationships in the engagement, production or daily kitchen programs.

What you’ll love about working with us:

• Meaningful relationships: Collaborate with guest chefs, food donors, volunteers and partners through OzHarvest and Food for Soul’s incredible networks.
• A values‑driven culture: Join a passionate team who care deeply about sustainability, food justice and using hospitality to create real, positive change.
• Real impact, every day: Your creativity and care will help transform rescued ingredients into beautiful meals that nourish and uplift our community.

What you’ll be doing:

Role modelling the OzHarvest Values:

• Demonstrate each value in every one of your actions and decisions
• Behave in a kind, open and supportive way at all times
• Be productive, positive and perform to the highest standard at all time

Chef Duties:

• Preparing, cooking and plating dishes to Refettorio standards using rescued and seasonal ingredients
• Leading service at events or coordinating teams for food preparation
• Leading corporate groups in Cooking for a Cause
• Cooking duties that align with food waste reduction
• Preparation and cooking for food production or engagement events
• Cooking for cooked meals program
• Provide guidance and support to chefs
• Assisting when needed in dishwashing & rubbish removal
• Maintaining cool room and freezer cleanliness
• Maintaining an organised, clean and safe workstation while supporting smooth kitchen operations
• Supporting kitchen safety through correct food handling, labelling, storage and WHS practices

At OzHarvest, we are a small family and there are fabulous opportunities for each of us to work together to contribute to deliver on our purpose to Nourish our Country. These could include a range of reasonable additional duties from time to time as required.

What you’ll bring:

Qualifications:

• Certificate III in hospitality
• 2 years’ full time experience in hospitality inclusive of approved professional cookery training
• Previously employed as a working chef, Chef De Partie, Station Cook/Chef or Restaurant Cook/Chef
• Manual Handling Course 
• Current First Aid Certificate
• Food Safety Handling trained and understanding of the OzHarvest Safe Food Handling Policy
• Valid and current Police Check and WWC check

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Dependability and accountability
• Professional presentation skills
• Professional presentation – chefs uniform and shoes required
• Experience in a client relationship role  
• Ability to engage with and nurture relationships with stakeholders

Personal Abilities and Aptitudes:

• Energetic, positive and proactive attitude
• A strong commitment and enthusiasm towards the purpose of OzHarvest 
• Effective communication skills for a diverse audience in both written and verbal mediums
• Leadership and ability to nurture the development of a team 
• Flexible and highly responsive to changing priorities and circumstances;

Apply Now:

Please follow through the online application process and attach your CV, a cover letter, and include a message about “Why you would like to work at OzHarvest?” (creativity encouraged!)

Please note that only applications with a cover letter addressing the question above will be shortlisted.

OzHarvest is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that supports diversity, inclusion and belonging. Please note: If you have a Language or Cultural special consideration, a disability or impairment or use assistive technology, please let us know in your Cover Letter when applying. You can ask a support person to help you through the application and interview process.