Daycare Chef (ON-CALL!!)

Kids & Company; Halifax; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recognition for contributions

Meaningful role supporting families

Positive, supportive work environment

Job summary

Kids & Company is seeking a skilled kitchen professional to manage daily kitchen operations across daycare centres. You will handle food preparation, safety, and dietary accommodations to ensure nutritious meals for children.

The role emphasizes cost control, inventory management, and compliance with health regulations. A valid driver’s license and a current Food Handler Certification are required, with previous daycare experience considered an asset.

Qualifications

• Current Food Handler Certification.
• 2-4 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Chef.
• Experience in a daycare or long-term care environment is an asset.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Clear criminal record check.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 45 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all meals for daycare centres, including cooking and baking.
• Maintain safe food storage and temperature logs.
• Create meals for children with allergies or special diets.
• Manage weekly food orders with head office.
• Monitor costs, waste, inventory and equipment.
• Ensure health, hygiene and safety regulations are followed.
• Oversee dishwashing and cleaning of kitchen areas.
• Prepare food for field trips and community events.
• Occasionally deliver prepared food to daycare centres.
• Support kitchen needs as required.

Skills

Sous Chef/Chef experience

Written & verbal communication

Lifting up to 45 pounds

Valid driver’s license

Criminal record check

Education

Food Handler Certification

Job description

Are you passionate about serving the public and ensuring all children and clients are cared for equally? If so, we’d love to hear from you! With over 150 childcare centres across Canada and the USA—and growing,we offer exciting opportunities to develop your career with us.

About the position

Reporting to the Centre Director, this role is an integral member of the Kids & Company team, supporting the overall management of daily kitchen operations. The position is responsible for all food preparation and cooking, while consistently applying Kids & Company standards to help achieve our mission.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all meals, including cooking, baking, and food preparation for delivery to daycare centres, as required.
• Ensure safe food storage and disposal practices, including maintaining daily logs of food and refrigerator/freezer temperatures.
• Prepare special meals and snacks for children with allergies, vegetarian diets, or other dietary requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of children’s allergens.
• Manage weekly ordering of food supplies and kitchen equipment through head office.
• Monitor and control costs by minimizing waste, managing inventory effectively, and maintaining kitchen equipment.
• Comply with all health, hygiene, and food safety regulations and legislation.
• Oversee kitchen operations, including dishwashing and scheduled cleaning and sanitizing of appliances, counters, cupboards, and drawers.
• Prepare food for field trips, school-age programs, and community events, as needed.
• Occasionally deliver prepared food to daycare centres.
• Perform additional duties as required to support the needs of the daycare centres.

Qualifications

• Current Food Handler Certification
• 2-4 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Chef
• Experience in a daycare or long-term care environment is an asset
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Clear criminal record check
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 45 pounds

What We Offer

• Recognition for your contributions, dedication, and hard work
• A meaningful role where you help support children and families
• A positive work environment with supportive team members and opportunities for career growth

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kids & Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities to support equitable access to employment opportunities. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail].