Childcare Centre Cook

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused childcare organization is seeking a Childcare Centre Cook to manage kitchen operations and contribute to children's well-being. Responsibilities include planning nutritious menus, maintaining hygiene standards, and overseeing food preparation in a collaborative team environment. The ideal candidate will have a relevant educational background and strong interpersonal skills. This position offers a supportive and engaging work culture, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Robust retirement savings program

Access to Employee Assistance Program

Unionized environment

Generous vacation and sick time

Priority childcare placement

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience working in a kitchen setting preferred.
• Experience with menu planning and purchasing is beneficial.
• Knowledge of Canada’s Food Guide required.

Responsibilities

• Plan menus according to the Canada Food Guide.
• Maintain the kitchen's cleanliness and hygiene.
• Supervise children during meal times if required.

Skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Education

College level Certificate or Diploma in a related field

Job description

Childcare Centre Cook

Permanent, Full Time

Umbrella Family stands out for its commitment to building meaningful connections that benefit children and their families. As a cornerstone of the Hamilton community for over 35 years, our team is composed of experienced and positive professionals in early childhood education. Our educators receive unparalleled support and professional development opportunities.

Starting a career with Umbrella Family means stepping into a role where you can confidently serve as a positive co‑learner during children’s formative years. It is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact and contribute to shaping future generations.

Umbrella Family is not just a place to work, it is a community where educators thrive, grow and truly belong.

Location: Bellmoore; 35 Pumpkin Pass, Binbrook ON L0R 1C0

Total Weekly Hours: 35 hours

Schedule: Monday to Friday 9:00-4:30pm

Pay Rate (per Collective Agreement, includes wage grants): $21.38

Why Work with Us?

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Robust retirement savings program featuring employer matching
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program
• Unionized environment that supports work‑life balance
• Generous vacation and sick time allotments
• Priority childcare placement for employees’ children
• A positive, collaborative, and fun work environment with top‑tier professionals

Who We’re Looking For

Experience:

• Minimum 1‑year experience working in a kitchen setting (preferred but not required)
• Experience with menu planning and purchasing
• Experience in a childcare setting a definite asset

Education:

College level Certificate or Diploma in a related field. Working knowledge of Canada’s Food Guide.

Characteristics:

• Excellent problem solving, interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast paced environment with minimal supervision
• Flexible environment with minimal supervision
• An advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion

Key Responsibilities:

You will work in consultation with the Program Supervisor to ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen and its coordination with the other programs of the centre. The successful candidate will:

• Plan lunch menus and snacks in accordance with the Canada Food Guide
• Post menus for parents and staff
• Conduct housekeeping tasks necessary to maintain the kitchen is organized, clean, safe and hygienic condition at all times.
• Deliver and collect lunch/snack trays to and from all on‑site programs
• Meet with the Public Health Inspector as required and ensure the kitchen and practices follow the City of Hamilton’s health code
• Order and purchase groceries in order to implement the planned menus
• When required, supervise children, scanning the area routinely to ensure safety, and recognize potentially hazardous situations so that they may be prevented. This may be required during lunch time or the beginning of the day

Commitment to Accessibility

We are committed to providing accommodations in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please let us know if you require accommodations during the hiring process.

Recruitment Process Disclosure

This organization does not use artificial intelligence (AI) systems or automated decision‑making technologies in the screening, assessment, or of applicants for employment. All applications are evaluated exclusively through a human review process conducted by our Human Resources personnel and hiring managers.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization.