Culinary Manager

Colonial Retirement; Whitby; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Amenida Seniors' Community is seeking an experienced Culinary / Kitchen Manager to lead our kitchen and culinary services team. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, staff management, meal preparation, food safety, and inventory control to ensure residents receive high-quality meals.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who is passionate about food service, team development, and delivering a positive dining experience for seniors.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Culinary Arts, Food Services Management, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3-5 years of kitchen or culinary management experience, preferably in seniors' living, long-term care, healthcare, or hospitality.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, nutrition, and dietary requirements.
• Experience with staff scheduling, inventory management, food costing, and daily kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including meal preparation, cooking, plating, and food service.
• Ensure meals meet dietary requirements, nutritional guidelines, and quality standards.
• Support menu planning, special events, and individual resident dietary needs.
• Manage inventory, order supplies, monitor food costs, and minimize waste.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.
• Supervise, schedule, and coordinate cooks, servers, and kitchen staff.
• Review and approve timesheets and ensure accurate reporting of staff hours.
• Provide training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, resident-focused team culture.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, and workplace health and safety requirements.
• Prepare reports on kitchen operations, food costs, and staff performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Culinary Arts / Food Services Management degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Kitchen management software

Job description

Salary: $50,000-$55,000 per year
Reports to: Executive Director
Location:101 Manning Rd, Whitby, ON L1N 9M2

About the Role

Amenida Seniors' Community is seeking an experienced and motivated Culinary / Kitchen Manager to lead our kitchen and culinary services team. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, staff management, meal preparation, food safety, and inventory control to ensure residents receive high-quality, nutritious, and enjoyable meals.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who is passionate about food service, team development, and creating a positive dining experience for seniors.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen & Culinary Operations

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including meal preparation, cooking, plating, and food service.

• Ensure meals meet dietary requirements, nutritional guidelines, and quality standards.

• Support menu planning, special events, and individual resident dietary needs.

• Manage inventory, order supplies, monitor food costs, and minimize waste.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.

Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise, schedule, and coordinate cooks, servers, and kitchen staff.

• Review and approve timesheets and ensure accurate reporting of staff hours.

• Provide training, coaching, and performance feedback.

• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and resident-focused team culture.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety, sanitation, infection prevention, and workplace health and safety requirements.

• Conduct regular kitchen inspections and implement corrective actions when needed.

• Maintain proper food handling, storage, and preparation procedures.

Administration & Collaboration

• Prepare reports on kitchen operations, food costs, and staff performance.

• Monitor staffing levels and operational efficiency.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and other departments to support resident satisfaction and smooth daily operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Culinary Arts, Food Services Management, or equivalent practical experience.

• 3-5 years of kitchen or culinary management experience, preferably in seniors' living, long-term care, healthcare, or hospitality.

• Valid Food Handler Certificate.

• Food Safety Supervisor certification is an asset.

• First Aid/CPR certification.

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, nutrition, and dietary requirements.

• Experience with staff scheduling, inventory management, food costing, and daily kitchen operations.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and kitchen management software.

• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and provide hands-on support to kitchen operations.

• Successful completion of the required criminal record check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check where applicable.