Culinary Manager

Revera Inc.; Lindsay; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogir Senior Living seeks a Culinary Manager to oversee all culinary services within the community, delivering an exceptional dining experience to residents and guests.

You will lead a hands-on kitchen and dining team, ensuring high-quality meals, adherence to safety standards, and effective budgeting. The role emphasizes creativity, branded dining, and strong collaboration with leadership to meet resident expectations.

Qualifications

• RedSeal Certification showing advanced culinary expertise.
• Several years as a professional chef with kitchen operations experience.
• Prior supervisory or leadership roles in culinary settings, preferably unionized.
• Post-secondary education in culinary management or related field.
• Valid Food Safety/Food Handler’s Certification included.
• Understanding of food safety regulations and sanitation practices.
• SmartServe Certification or provincial equivalent for serving alcohol.
• Strong computer skills for inventory and menu planning software.
• Experience budgeting, cost control, and optimizing food costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily culinary operations with hands-on leadership during meal times.
• Provide culinary training and support to ensure high quality food and service.
• Oversee daily kitchen and dining room operations to meet standards and policies.
• Collaborate with General Manager and culinary leadership to execute strategic plans.
• Support site General Manager in developing culinary staff and engagement.
• Manage food budget with approved vendors and inventory controls.
• Strive for excellence in food quality, presentation, and safety standards.
• Implement national seasonal menus based on resident preferences.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food safety

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff development

Communication

Education

RedSeal Certification

Culinary management degree

Food Safety/Food Handler’s Certification

SmartServe Certification

Tools

Inventory software

Menu planning software

Job description

Cogir Senior Living manages retirement residences across the country. We offer a range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living and memory care. For over 25 years, we have dedicated every day to the happiness of retirees. Human Focus – Creativity - Excellence We’re seeking individuals with a purpose and passion for life and who are looking for meaningful work that will make a real difference. Mission: The Culinary Manager manages all aspects of culinary service within the community to consistently deliver an exceptional dining experience to our residents and guests. The incumbent is a culinary professional committed to delivering the company’s “best in class’ culinary strategy, offering outstanding service and creative, diverse and flexible menus made with high quality fresh ingredients and appetizingly presented to meet and exceed resident expectations.

Salary Offered:

$65,000 - $67,000/ annually

Key Outcomes:

• Ensure high levels of resident satisfaction specific to Culinary Services (as measured by Resident Satisfaction Surveys and day to day engagement with the residents during meal service)
• Ensure Food Safety Standards are met or exceeded (as measured by Food Safety Audit)
• Deliver a consistent, branded culinary experience (as measured by the Brand Standards Audit)
• Manage culinary and labour expense to meet budget
• Effectively manage and lead kitchen and dining staff to develop and maintain an engaged workforce

Key Responsibilities:

• Support daily culinary operations with a hands‑on approach to leadership, mentoring and filling is as require during meal service times actively in the kitchen and dining room as required
• Provide culinary expertise, training and operational support to the culinary team to ensure Residents receive high quality food and services in compliance with culinary standards and company policies
• Oversee and direct daily operations and provide culinary expertise, training, and operational support to the kitchen and dining staff to ensure the provision of high-quality food services in compliance with culinary standards and company policies
• Work in collaboration with the General Manager and the direction of Bloom Culinary expectations to implement the culinary strategic plan in order to achieve high levels of resident satisfaction
• Provide guidance, consultation and support to site level General Manager for the effective development of culinary service employees to ensure high employee engagement
• Effectively manage food budget by supporting full compliance with company approved vendors and standardized product, ensuring effective inventory controls, and minimizing food waste/spoilage
• Exceed operations standards in - food quality, service presentation, and health and safety compliance
• Implement the company’s national seasonal menus to use culinary creativity and knowledge of resident preferences gather from Resident Food Council Committee meetings to enhance menus, maintaining food quality in compliance with regulations, company policies and culinary standards
• Leverage creativity and knowledge of resident preferences to enhance menus, maintaining food quality in compliance with regulations, company policies and culinary standards
• Manage and minimize labour costs through effective scheduling and labour plans
• Cultivate and maintain effective partnerships with site level management and the National Support Team to meet or exceed occupancy targets
• To uphold and promote the organization’s values and philosophy relating particularly to ethics, morality, and integrity as set out in our Code of Conduct
• To complete all other duties as assigned (Open House, Community Partnerships, Tours/Outreach)

Required Education, Credentials and Experience:

• RedSeal Certification, signifying advanced culinary expertise and proficiency
• Several years of experience as a professional chef, progressing through various kitchen roles, is crucial. This hands‑on experience provides a deep understanding of culinary techniques, food preparation, and kitchen operations
• Prior experience in a supervisory or leadership role within a culinary setting is essential. This could include roles like Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, or Lead Cook, preferably in a unionized environment
• Post‑secondary education in the field of culinary management or a related field
• Possession of a valid Food Safety/Food Handler’s Certification, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a safe and hygienic food environment
• Understanding of food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and proper handling of ingredients to maintain a safe and hygienic kitchen environment
• SmartServe Certification or provincial equivalent, attesting to the ability to serve alcoholic beverages responsibly and in compliance with regulations
• Strong computer skills for inventory management, menu planning software, and communication
• Familiarity with budgeting, cost control, inventory management, and optimizing food costs to ensure efficient kitchen operations
• Experience working in retirement living is considered an asset
• Must provide a complete and current (within six months) Vulnerable Sector Check (including a Criminal Background Check) or be willing to obtain one

Cogir is committed to ensuring that all employment practices are inclusive. As an organization we are committed to providing and arranging accommodation for candidates upon request. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant factors such as skills, experience, location, and internal equity, and is expected to fall within the posted range.

Cogir Senior Living manages retirement residences across the country. We offer a range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living and memory care. For over 25 years, we have dedicated every day to the happiness of retirees. The Mission of Cogir Senior Living Human beings are the focus of our mission which is “real estate with purpose”. They are the foundation of our culture as well as our priority. For us, the human being is everywhere and is the basis for all our actions and decisions. A Unique Experience As employees, every workday is a unique experience. We offer a healthy environment, with inspiring leaders who set clear goals, acknowledge the efforts made and encourage internal advancement. Moreover, we’re offering benefits that reflect the needs of today. There are various options available to allow for a healthy work-life balance.