Your future Workplace

Sacred Heart Mission is a community of dedicated people working together to end homelessness, deepdisadvantage and social exclusion. Our strength lies in our shared purpose and values. We welcome individuality and support each other to bring our best and whole selves to the work we do each day. Join us in making a meaningful difference in a fun and friendly organisation with a big heart.

Your new role

Our Meals Program is far more than food relief. It also provides opportunities for people to reconnect to and develop a sense of community and belonging.

As the full time Meals Program Coordinator / Head Chef you will lead our Meals Program, ensuring the delivery of nutritious meals to people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage, 365 days a year. You will oversee the daily preparation of approximately 300-350 meals daily, manage kitchen operations, and foster a supportive and collaborative environment with staff, volunteers, and donors.

This is an exciting leadership role where you will contribute to the strategic and operational management of the program, ensuring high-quality service delivery alongside tasty meals!

Your day-to-day

• Lead and coordinate the daily operations of the Meals Program, including cooking 3 days per week.
• Supervise and support a team of chefs, kitchen assistants, storepersons, and volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and occupational health and safety regulations.
• Manage food donations, purchases, and inventory to maintain cost-effective meal preparation.
• Provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants.
• Engaging with stakeholders including visiting VIPs, politicians, donors, and other guests.
• Supporting the Communications Team and various fundraising activities.

We're looking for someone with

• A minimum: Certificate III in Kitchen Operations (essential).
• Experience coordinating a busy, high-volume kitchen - ideally in a community/homelessness or not-for-profit setting.
• Experience as a Chef in bulk cooking or catering.
• Experience in budgeting, finance management and administrative duties.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the proven ability to lead and develop teams.
• A Commitment to working within a person-centered, strength’s based and culturally responsive practice.
• Comfortability around being a liaison and 'face' of the Meals Program to external stakeholders.

You can look forward to

• Leading a program at the heart of what we do at Sacred Heart Mission and is a point of first contact for many of our participants.
• Making a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and social disadvantage.
• Working within a committed team of kitchen assistants, volunteers and wider Services team.
• Cooking early mornings and early finishes (approximately 3:00pm).
• Salary packaging benefits – up to $15,990 tax-free for expenses like rent, dining, and holidays.
• A supportive work environment: regular line manager direct supervision, Psychological First Aid, EAP etc.
• Access to the Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme. 

Come and Work with us

To apply simply scroll down and enter your details below with attached resume.

For more information about the role, contact Chris Middendorp, Manager Sacred Heart Central / Acting Head of Homeless Services at [email protected] using the subject line: Meals Program Coordinator / Head Chef enquiry via EthicalJobs.

*Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately, and the position may close earlier than stated if we have found suitable candidates.

SHM is committed to equal employment opportunities for all people regardless of age, gender, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation. We recognise the strength and value in diversity, and actively foster an inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. All appointments are subject to Police Checks and certain roles require additional pre-screening or evidence of COVID-19 vaccination as outlined in the position description.

A position description is attached.