Duty Manager Kitchen (part time)

TO Live; Toronto; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

TO Live is seeking an experienced and organized kitchen manager to lead day-to-day kitchen operations at our Toronto venues, reporting to the Executive Chef or Duty Manager Kitchen. The role is hourly, part-time and seasonal, with evening and weekend shifts as required.

You will supervise prep, event setup, portions and presentation, coach staff, ensure health and safety standards, coordinate with front-of-house and events teams, and help drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years in a kitchen management or senior culinary leadership role.
• Post secondary culinary training or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations in Ontario.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate diverse teams.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations including prep, event setup and post-event breakdown.
• Coordinate with front-of-house and event teams to meet catering and service requirements.
• Assist in menu execution, portion control and presentation standards.
• Lead, coach and support kitchen staff, fostering professionalism and teamwork.
• Provide on-the-job guidance and performance feedback to staff.
• Document operational issues and staff performance for management review.
• Ensure all food is prepared and stored according to health regulations.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in kitchen and storage areas.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Organizational skills

Food safety knowledge

Education

Post secondary culinary training or equivalent

Job description

TO Live’s Kitchen team is seeking an experienced and organized kitchen manager to assist and lead the day-to-day kitchen operations.

This is an hourly, part-time, seasonal role. Working evenings and weekend hours is required, as needed.

Reporting to the Executive Chef, or their designate, the Duty Manager Kitchen role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced event driven environment and passionate about food quality, team leadership and operational excellence. This role serves as the primary point of contact for the kitchen team during shifts and events, ensuring smooth coordination with front-of-house and event teams. This role consists of working evenings and weekend hours as required.

ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee kitchen operations including prep, event set up and post event breakdown.
• Oversee event-specific kitchen activities, coordinating and planning with front-of-house and event teams to meet catering and service requirements.
• Assist in menu execution, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Lead, coach, and support kitchen staff, fostering professionalism, teamwork, and a positive work environment.
• Provide on-the-job guidance and performance feedback to staff.
• Document operational issues and staff performance for management review.
• Ensure all food is prepared, stored, and served according to Toronto Public Health regulations, hygiene, and food safety standards.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in kitchen and storage areas.

Inventory & Stock Management:

• Monitor inventory levels, manage daily usage, and report shortages or discrepancies.
• Implement proper stock rotation and remove expired or damaged items.
• Coordinate and receive deliveries and ensure proper storage and handling of all stock items.
• Assist in monthly inventory counts and reports

Operational Reporting & Improvement:

• Maintain records of shift activities, operational issues, and event performance.
• Contribute to operational improvements and policies and support directives from management.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety always.
• Ensure kitchen and storage areas are consistently organized, clean, and functional.
• Demonstrate proactive leadership and effective team management during shifts and events.
• Ensure smooth coordination between kitchen and front-of-house teams before, after and during events.
• Support ongoing operational improvements and the implementation of management initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience

• 1 to 3 years in a kitchen management or senior culinary leadership role.
• Post secondary culinary training or equivalent, professional experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food, safety, sanitation, and health regulations in Ontario.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate and managed diverse teams.
• Excellent, organizational, administration, and time management skills.
• Experienced in high volume event-based food service is an asset.

What we are looking for:

• A calm solution focussed leader who performs well under pressure.
• A strong communicator who collaborates effectively with the kitchen and events team.
• A growth mindset person who values consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Passion for hospitality and supporting a memorable guest experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to stand and exert fast-paced mobility for entire shift.
• Must be able to frequently lift and carry food and other items weighing up to 45 pounds and occasionally greater.
• Must be familiar with working in a union environment and be aware of the working conditions set out in the Collective Bargaining agreement.
• Variable hours of work including nights, weekends and holidays depending on performance and event schedules.
• Lack of natural light in workplace.
• Travel between TO Live venues as required

THE ORGANIZATION:

TO Live is one of Canada’s largest multi-arts organizations, operating three iconic venues: Meridian Hall, the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and Meridian Arts Centre. In addition, TO Live presents a full range of performing arts, theatrical and concert events at these venues in both downtown and uptown Toronto. With these two hubs of creativity and content creation, TO Live has a unique place and perspective to activate creative spaces by inspiring local and international artists, connect audiences and to be the nexus for new ideas, elevate artistic potential, and be the catalyst for creative expression that is reflective of Toronto’s diversity.

Together with the Toronto Public Service’s (TPS) initiatives, which TO Lives follows and adheres to, TO Live encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.

We ask that you complete the questions provided as part of the online application to assist us in ensuring our recruitment process and programs are equitable and accessible. Your responses are voluntary and the information that you provide is strictly confidential.

We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Human Resources department will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.