Growing Chefs! Ontario: We’re Hiring!

Growing Chefs! Ontario is Hiring a Kitchen Manager for the Hot Lunch Program!

The Growing Chefs! Ontario (GCO) mission is to change the way children and families learn about and develop healthy relationships with food. We believe that engaging food education programs can spark the growth of a healthier, empowered community that’s connected to its food system.

We are hiring a Kitchen Manager to lead our Hot Lunch Program team, with a start date in June 2025. This full-time role is ideal for someone with strong leadership and organizational skills, kitchen experience, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives through food.


Position Overview:

As Kitchen Manager, you will oversee the daily operations of our Hot Lunch Program, managing a team of 4 – 6 kitchen staff to prepare and deliver scratch-made lunches and snacks to local preschool students. Your team will produce between 300 – 500 meals daily, ensuring consistency, safety, and quality every step of the way. You will also coordinate deliveries and maintain a smooth workflow in the kitchen, from ordering and preparation to clean-up.

This role also supports occasional food-related fundraising initiatives and community events hosted by Growing Chefs! Ontario.


Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and support a kitchen team of 4 – 6 staff in daily prep, cooking, and portioning of meals and snacks

- Ensure timely and accurate delivery of hot lunches to preschool locations

- Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and organization in the kitchen

- Manage inventory, ordering, and tracking of ingredients and supplies

- Support meal and snack menu execution based on GCO-developed recipes

- Train and mentor new staff, encouraging a collaborative and positive work environment

- Oversee vehicle loading, routing, and daily delivery logistics

- Assist in preparing for occasional events and fundraising initiatives such as community dinners, pizza nights, or catering

- Communicate effectively with program coordinators and school contacts to ensure smooth service

- Ensure all operations comply with food safety and workplace safety standards


Required Qualifications & Experience:

- 5+ years of kitchen or food service experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role

- G class driver’s license with a clean driving record (delivery is a regular duty)

- Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills

- Excellent communication and team leadership abilities

- Able to lift 50+ lbs and stand for long periods

- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen

- Must pass a Vulnerable Sector Police Check

- Valid Food Handlers Safety Certificate

- Reliable transportation to and from the workplace

- Available for weekday shifts between 6am – 4pm (occasional evenings/​weekends for events)


Additional Assets:

- Experience in bulk meal production or school lunch programs

- Experience in recipe/​menu development

- First Aid CPR C+ AED certification

- Smart Serve certification

- Interest in gardening, food education, or community programming


What We Offer:

- Salary: Starting at $50,000+ annually, plus benefits

- Health and dental coverage

- Retirement savings plan after one year

- A supportive and community-focused work environment

- Opportunities to engage in hands-on food education and outreach

- Delicious food and a mission-driven team!


How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Katherine Jones at chef@​growingchefsontario.​ca as soon as possible. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the hiring process. Only those selected will be contacted.

For more information on our work, visit:
growingchefsontario.ca/projects
facebook.com/growingchefsontario
instagram.com/growingchefsontario
youtube.com/GrowingChefsOntario


Growing Chefs! Ontario is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process upon request.