Grounded Café is a new Social Enterprise, opening in mid-March.

Grounded is more than a place to eat — it’s a space built on generosity, belonging, and community care. Operated by the Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA), Grounded exists to make good food accessible to every student. Every meal served helps fund TUSA’s Food Security Program, supporting students through the Social Supermarket and Food Hubs.

At Grounded, they live the mission: Giving with a full cup.
It’s about nourishing the community so they can thrive.

About the role

As Chef, you’ll lead a kitchen that puts people first. You’ll craft thoughtful, affordable food using local and seasonal produce, and you’ll help shape a menu that reflects the diversity of our student community — culturally, dietary-wise, and in accessibility.

You’ll work closely with the Café Manager to balance quality, sustainability, and affordability, ensuring Grounded remains a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported.

Your responsibilities include:

• Preparing daily menu items with care, consistency, and creativity
• Providing a diverse menu, with culturally appropriate options for students
• Using local and seasonal produce wherever possible
• Leading sustainable kitchen practices that minimise waste
• Managing ordering, stock, and menu costing with cost-control goals
• Supporting a positive, inclusive environment for staff and student employees

Why this role matters

Your leadership helps create:

• Affordable access to nutritious food for students
• A safe, inclusive, culturally aware space where everyone feels they belong
• A sustainable, purpose-driven café that reinvests in student wellbeing
• A “feel good” experience for students, staff, and the wider community

About you

You bring:

• Experience as a Chef in a café or similar environment
• 3-5 years of chef experience in a café or similar kitchen environment
• A passion for local, seasonal produce
• Strong costing and supply management skills
• A practical approach to sustainability
• Experience with diverse cultural cuisines is preferred to support the multicultural student community
• A people-first hospitality mindset
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style