The Salvation Army logo
Full-time
On-site
Gold Coast, Australia

Number of Positions Available:

1

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities.  We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better.  It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.  

Position Title: Cook 
Location: Eagle Heights 

Classification: SCHADS 3
Status: Full Time 

Cook with purpose. Lead with heart. Make every meal matter.

At Gold Coast Recovery Services Centre, food is more than nourishment—it’s part of recovery. As our Cook, you’ll lead a busy, values-driven kitchen where your skills create routine, dignity, and care for people rebuilding their lives.

If you’re a capable commercial cook who enjoys ownership of a kitchen, mentoring others, and cooking with impact, this role is for you.

The Role

You’ll take the lead in the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, dry stores, and cold storage, ensuring the preparation and service of high-quality, nutritious meals within set timeframes. You’ll supervise and mentor kitchen staff, participants, and volunteers, working in line with the values and ethos of The Salvation Army.

Every meal you prepare helps create stability and connection—small actions that make a big difference in recovery.

How You’ll Make an Impact

  • Prepare and deliver high-volume, nutritious meals that meet dietary, cultural, religious, and allergy requirements
  • Lead kitchen operations with strong food safety, WHS, and HACCP compliance
  • Plan weekly and monthly menus within budget, manage food costs, and reconcile invoices
  • Order stock, manage rotation, minimise waste, and make creative use of donated goods
  • Maintain cool rooms, freezers, and dry stores to best-practice standards
  • Supervise, train, and mentor participants, volunteers, and kitchen staff
  • Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment while maintaining participant confidentiality
  • Conduct required audits and reporting in line with organisational standards

What You’ll Bring

  • Trade qualification in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in a commercial kitchen
  • Strong knowledge of food safety and safe food handling practices
  • Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
  • Confidence leading a kitchen, managing priorities, and working autonomously
  • A values-driven approach and belief in the power of food to support wellbeing

Why Join Us?

  • Full-time, stable role under the SCHADS Award Level 3
  • Purpose-led work where your skills genuinely change lives
  • A supportive, mission-driven team environment
  • The chance to lead, mentor, and make a meaningful social impact—every single day

If you’re a cook who believes food can be a force for good, we’d love to hear from you.

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee's a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including: 

  • Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
  • Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
  • Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.

About us

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities.  We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, the Salvos are always there providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

How to apply

Are you ready to make a difference and help individuals rebuild their lives? Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the role's requirements.   Together, we can create lasting change and build a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration