Lead cook (2026-10930)

Job summary

Prepare and present nutritious meals and catered services according to menus, food safety standards, and portion requirements. Support menu and recipe development, oversee kitchen sanitation and equipment safety, train food service staff, and provide general supervision when the dining services manager or head chef is absent.

Job details

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE Description: Certified Chef Under the direction of the Dining Services Manager/Head Chef, is responsible for the preparation and garnishing of attractively plated, nutritious meals for residents and guests. Ensures cleanliness of the kitchen and equipment in accordance with public health standards and regulations. Background/Qualifications Minimum of grade 12 education. Chef training or culinary management diploma or certificate granted by a college established under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002 or the equivalent. Minimum 2 years experience in Quantity Cooking and Food Preparation at a Cook I or Cook II level. Red Seal will be given preference. Must have Safe Food Handler’s certificate. Must be able to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, in the English language. Must be familiar with computerized on-line ordering systems and dietary software. SCHEDULE This position requires you to work evenings and weekends when needed. Key Responsibilities Participates in and contributes to the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Program. Prepares and produces all meals and catered services as per the posted menu, following Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. Assists in menu planning and recipe development by providing input on resident acceptability. Participates in developing, standardizing and costing of recipes by ensuring portion control. Forecasts food production requirements on a daily basis and plans for effective utilization of food and leftovers. Collects, labels and stores food samples from each meal. Ensures that menu changes are approved by the dining services manager. Presents appetizing and appealing meals to the resident and ensuring that the appropriate temperature of the food is documented and maintained. Ensures that dining service attendants demonstrate sanitation, safety and infection control procedures. Directs and trains staff involved with food preparation and proper use of equipment. Replaces staff for call-in. Attends staff meetings. Prepares, receives and stores food purchases and supply orders. Responsible for cleaning, maintenance and safety of all kitchen equipment. Monitors risks such as correct food temperatures, fridge and freezer temperatures, dish and pot washing temperatures, Monitors food quality, quantity, appearance and portion size. Participates in departmental in-services Provides general supervision of the food service operation in the absence of the dining services manager/head chef. Keeps the dining service manager/head chef informed of any staff member whose performance is less than satisfactory. Performs all other duties as assigned or delegated by the dining services manager/head chef, or other members of the residences management team Maintains effective communication, both written and verbal with co-workers. Uses appropriate lines of communication with management staff. Complies with all corporate policies and procedures. Completes all required mandatory training/education. Complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Workplace Hazardous Material Information System, Food Premises regulations and RHRA dietary standards. This includes recognizing health and safety hazards, reporting incidents, fulfilling responsibilities under the applicable legislation, as well as participating in in-services and fire drills.

What you’ll do

Prepare and present nutritious meals and catered services according to menus, food safety standards, and portion requirements. Support menu and recipe development, oversee kitchen sanitation and equipment safety, train food service staff, and provide general supervision when the dining services manager or head chef is absent.

Requirements

Requires at least a high school education, culinary training or an equivalent credential, and at least two years of quantity cooking and food preparation experience at a Cook I or Cook II level. A Safe Food Handler’s certificate, effective English communication, and familiarity with computerized ordering systems and dietary software are required; a Red Seal is preferred.

Listed skills

• Food preparation · Preferred
• Food safety · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Quantity Cooking
• Food Preparation
• Menu Planning
• Recipe Development
• Portion Control
• Food Production Forecasting
• Food Storage
• HACCP
• Food Safety
• Kitchen Sanitation
• Staff Training
• Equipment Maintenance
• Temperature Monitoring
• Dietary Software
• Online Ordering Systems
• Communication

Job areas

• Food & Beverage
• Hospitality
• Management & Leadership
• Healthcare
• Security & Safety

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