Kitchen Hand / Cook – Full Time
Gather Round Panini – Black Rock, VIC
At Gather Round Panini, we're not just making paninis — we're creating moments of joy, connection and great food by the beach.
We're looking for an experienced and reliable Kitchen Hand / Cook to join our growing team in a permanent full-time position.
This is a hands-on role involving both our day-to-day kitchen operations and the preparation and production of our dough.
Weekend and night availability is essential, as the successful candidate will work across a rotating roster that may include weekdays, weekends and evenings.
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, take pride in producing quality food and love being part of a supportive team, we'd love to meet you.
ABOUT THE ROLE
You'll play an important role in keeping our kitchen and food production running smoothly.
The position includes preparing and handling dough, assisting with food preparation and service, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organisation, and supporting the wider kitchen team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Preparing and making dough according to recipes and procedures
- Portioning, weighing and balling dough
- Managing dough preparation, proofing and storage
- Cooking and preparing dough for service
- Food and panini preparation
- Assisting during busy service periods
- Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and organisation
- Following recipes, systems and food preparation processes
- Maintaining consistent food quality and portion control
- Supporting the kitchen team with daily operations
- General kitchen hand and cooking duties as required
- Following food safety and hygiene requirements
- Barista experience is preferred but not essential, with training available for the right candidate if required
HOURS & AVAILABILITY
- Permanent full-time position
- Consistent weekly roster
- Weekend availability is essential
- Night availability is essential
- Must have flexibility to work across weekdays, weekends and evenings as required
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 3 years' experience as a Kitchen Hand, Cook or in a similar commercial kitchen role
- Experience in food preparation
- Experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment
- Ability to follow recipes, instructions and established systems
- Good knife skills
- Strong attention to consistency and quality
- Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team
- Availability to work weekdays, weekends and nights
- Food Safety Certificate (DoFoodSafely or equivalent)
- Full working rights in Australia
Previous dough-making or bread production experience will be highly regarded.
WHO YOU ARE
You are:
- A team player who enjoys working with others
- Reliable, hardworking and punctual
- Positive and friendly with a great attitude
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Able to stay calm during busy service periods
- Willing to learn and take responsibility
- Proud of maintaining a clean and organised workspace
- Someone who cares about consistency and producing quality food
WHY JOIN GATHER ROUND PANINI?
- Beachside location in Black Rock, VIC
- Stable, permanent full-time position
- Consistent weekly roster
- Fun and supportive team environment
- Opportunity to grow with a growing brand
- Be part of a business built around community and joy
- Great team culture — we genuinely enjoy working together
At Gather Round Panini, we believe great food brings people together — and that starts with a great team.
If you're looking for a full-time role where you can take pride in what you produce, become an important part of the team and grow with the business, we'd love to hear from you.
APPLY NOW
Please submit your resume along with a short introduction telling us a little about yourself, your kitchen experience and any previous experience you have working with dough.
Join us. Gather Round Panini. We Choose Joy!
Pay: $33.00 – $36.00 per hour based on experience.
Experience:
- Kitchen Hand / Cook: 3 years (Required)
- Dough preparation / bread production experience (Preferred but not essential)
Licence/Certification:
- Food Handling Certificate (Required)
Work Authorisation:
Work Location: In person
Pay: $34.00 – $35.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
