Kitchen Hand

**Introduction**:
Geelong Arts Centre is the only State Government owned cultural institution located outside of Melbourne, our vision is as a leader connector and creator of extraordinary cultural experiences for local and global communities.

The Geelong Arts Centre is a gathering place for all - a place that boldly offers insights through performance, holds space for public conversation, supports creative experimentation and content development, and is a venue to connect, meet as a community and share a passion for the arts and creativity. It is the creative heart of Geelong.

Our people are focused on creating a diverse and bold arts community that embraces and values differences. We value the variety of unique experiences, qualities, and characteristics our people possess, and we share and learn from each other. Our highly collaborative and dedicated teams aim to ensure the business is continuously growing, striving for exceptional results for both our internal and external stakeholders. We are always striving to display flexibility and resilience to embrace change.

**Description**:
Reporting to the Executive Chef, this position enables the food and beverage team to deliver exceptional experiences across all functions and events, including meal service within the cafe, retail bars, concession stands, and any function or food related activations. The position is responsible for helping to establish the café as a unique destination through the delivery of clean crockery, cutlery and flatware. In addition, this position supports the chefs and overall kitchen team in their drive to provide exceptional menus and culinary experiences to our patrons.

**Primary responsibilities**:
People and teams
- Contribute to the continuous improvement and overall success of the food and beverage function.
- Be an active member of the food and beverage team including attendance at team meetings and training.

Food and beverage function
- Primarily responsible for, but not limited to, the day-to-day operation of the main wash up area with the focus being to support the delivery of events.
- Manage the coordination and supervision of the kitchen hands working in the main wash up area.
- Handle all glassware, silverware, crockery, pots and pans with care and store neatly and safely as instructed.
- Stack all bottles, cardboard and papers in the respective storage areas and operate and follow the kitchen’s regular waste disposal practices.
- Thoroughly clean all items coming into the dishwasher and pot wash areas
- Ensures that all dishwasher machinery is working efficiently and that all chemicals being used are safely stored and handled.
- Maintain sanitation and hygiene standards necessary in a professional kitchen.
- Maintain kitchen equipment and plant in good condition.
- Provide support to the Chefs in preparation for food service; assist with preparation of menu items.
- Identify training opportunities for the kitchen hand team to refine skills and develop capabilities for employee progression.
- Directly supervise all casual and contract kitchen hands working in the main wash up area.
- Responsible for ensuring department equipment is well maintained and in good working order; conduct all equipment stocktakes.
- Lead by example in living the Centre’s values-in-action and modelling best practise to develop and motivate team members using a coaching and mentoring approach to manage performance.
- Undertake other duties or projects as reasonably requested

**Skills and Experiences**:
Selection Criteria

To be successful in this position, you will have experience in a similar role, in a fast-paced, hands-on and innovative dining environment. Your experience will include but will not be limited to:

- 2-5-years’ experience stewarding within a kitchen environment.
- A passion for the hospitality industry and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and client needs during multiple events.
- Capacity to work autonomously and set the standard of customer service during event delivery.
- Experience in managing culinary equipment
- Teamwork and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with the kitchen team.
- Current and valid, or willingness to obtain, Working with Children Check (Employee).
- A current Food Handler Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain within 4 weeks of appointment)
- Availability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, evenings, weekends and public holidays within a rotating roster.

Essential Capabilities

**Service culture**: A people first attitude; considers others’ perspectives in making decisions and providing consistent quality advice and service; offers solutions and strategies that best serve the stakeholder’s needs.

**Communicating with influence**: Engages and energises others through confident and persuasive communication; tailors communication style and message according to audience ne