Certified Cook I (2026-10802)

Verve Senior Living; Newmarket; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Verve Senior Living in Newmarket, Ontario, is seeking an experienced Cook for our dining services team. You will prepare and plate nutritious meals for residents, following planned menus and safety regulations, while maintaining high sanitation standards.

Under the Dining Services Manager's direction, you’ll train staff, supervise meal preparation in their absence, manage inventory, and ensure accurate temperature checks and documentation. A fast-paced, collaborative environment awaits.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 education and strong English communication required.
• Minimum 2 years of large-volume cooking, preparation and plating experience.
• Valid regional food handler’s certificate with knife and preparation skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and plate meals for residents and guests following sanitation and safety regulations, and according to the planned menu.
• Assist with directing and training staff involved in food preparation and service; supervise during the absence of the Dining Services Manager or Supervisor.
• Maintain cleanliness of the preparation area and kitchen equipment; ensure inventory and timely ordering of ingredients.
• Perform temperature checks and proper documentation; assist in forecasting production and controlling portions.
• Comply with all corporate policies and participate in mandatory training and safety programs.

Skills

English communication

Teamwork

Fast-paced

Knife skills

Preparation skills

Dependable

Education

Grade 12 education

Food handler's certificate

Job description

Come join us and help make a difference in the lives of older adults! As employees at a Verve Senior Living Retirement Residence, our primary goal is to help each person, have a great day, every day! Our employees thrive on collaboration and have a passion for excellence, achieving multiple awards including the Order of Excellence in Quality, from Excellence Canada. As part of our team, the things you do are key to helping us achieve our shared vision of helping seniors live longer, better. Oh, and you’ll also have a lot of fun doing it.

Want to join us?

Accountability Objective

Are you the type of person who is passionate about preparing fresh foods, innovating delicious cuisines and presenting artfully crafted meals? Our cooks play a critical role in enriching the lives of our residents through a unique and welcoming dining experience. Under the direction of the Dining Services Manager or designate, the cook is responsible for food preparation and plating of attractive and nutritious meals and snacks. Maintains a clean and sanitary kitchen in accordance with Eco-Sure and health authority regulations.

Background/Qualifications

• Minimum of grade 12 education required.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in with large volume food cooking, preparation, and plating techniques.
• Must have a valid regional food handler’s certificate.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, in the English language.
• Strong knife and preparation skills as well as fundamental baking skills.
• Dependable, responsible and an ability to work well with others in a team environment and independently. Demonstrates a positive attitude necessary to meet the goals and standards of the residence.
• Must be capable of working in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Participates in and adheres to continuous quality improvement standards.
• Responsible for cooking and preparing food for residents and guests and plating meals in accordance with sanitation and safety regulations, the planned menu, and methods best suited for the nutritional quality and appearance of the food. Ensures dietary restrictions are being adhered to.
• Assists with directing and training staff involved with food preparation and service. Supervises the meal preparation during the absence of the Dining Services Manager/Dining Services Supervisor.
• Complies with infection control processes and protocols as directed, e.g. outbreak management.
• Responsible for receiving and putting away orders, as well as inventory control of ingredients to ensure necessary products are available to residents.
• In the absence of the Dining Services Manager/Dining Services Supervisor, purchasing of food and supplies for the department as per established company procedures.
• Assists in forecasting food production requirements and plans for effective utilization of left-over bulk foods. Follows consistent portion control during meal service.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the food preparation area and kitchen equipment.
• Responsible for completion of food temperature checks and proper documentation as assigned.
• Prepares snack trays for daily functions.
• Keeps the Dining Service Manager informed of any staff member performance.
• Maintains effective communication, both written and verbal with co-workers, residents and guests including addressing resident concerns during dining service. Uses the appropriate lines of communication with supervisory staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Dining Services Manager or delegate.
• 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, and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System/Globally Harmonized System. 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. Participates in the ongoing Fire Prevention, and Pest Control programs and any other programs as required.

All offers of employment are subject to a Criminal Background Check. We thank all those who apply; however only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Verve Senior Living is an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the residents and communities in which we live and serve. If you require accommodation for any portion of the recruitment and hiring process, please let us know.