Executive Chef / CDC Toronto

Blue Shock Executive Search; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Toronto is seeking an Executive Chef to oversee kitchen operations, ensuring high food quality and service excellence. This role involves managing staff, budgets, and health compliance while maintaining a strong focus on teamwork and leadership. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in casual dining and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a Chef de Cuisine or similar in a casual dining service environment.
• 10 years’ progressive experience in a variety of dining environments.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily kitchen operations and ensure smooth service delivery.
• Manage kitchen staff and oversee hiring, training, and evaluations.
• Develop and manage budgets and financial policies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Service Orientation

Education

Red Seal Cooks Qualification

Certified Chef de Cuisine Diploma

Job description

The Exec Chef / CDC is responsible for the overall smooth operation of the kitchen and the delivery of outstanding food quality and service excellence through teamwork, motivation and strong leadership working closely with the Executive Chefs of the restaurant.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the daily operation of the kitchen, ensuring smooth delivery of the restaurant and following established budgetary guidelines.
• Formulate and design all menus. Participate in all aspects of food delivery as required.
• Establish and maintain a high standard of food quality and service excellence through teamwork, motivation and strong leadership; support all team members in their efforts to achieve service excellence.
• Plan, implement and evaluate food quality and service levels to ensure residents’ service and nutritional needs are met. Liaise with residents and any appropriate dietary professionals as required.

Staff Management

• Manage and lead the kitchen staff; including overall all aspects of the employee process, i.e. hiring, payroll administration, employee development, performance evaluation, discipline and termination.
• Participate in new employee orientation; provide on the job training where appropriate to support staff performance of job duties.
• Prepare rosters for each shift in a timely manner and ensure adequate staffing levels, in accordance with budgetary guidelines.
• Provide support to the management team; perform managerial duties and functions for other departments as required; act as a designate in the absence of the General Manager.

Budget & Administration

• Manage all budgets; forecast and develop budget requirements for the restaurant; Monitor and report expenditures according to financial policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures specific to food quality in consultation with the General Manager.
• Complete special projects as assigned by the management team.

Health and Safety

• Promote health and safety in the workplace, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Hire people that CARE!
• Coach all staff to recognize and prevent unsafe acts in the workplace.

Abilities

• Strong service orientation with demonstrated knowledge of all types of premium casual dining.
• Self-starter with the ability to work without supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills; strong attention to detail; ability to implement strategic goals.
• Proven leadership abilities; approachable and diplomatic decision-making style.
• Strong interpersonal skills; team player skilled with motivating and coaching others.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and respond with a sense of urgency when required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a Chef de Cuisine or similar in a casual dining service environment.
• 10 years’ progressive experience in a variety of dining environments.
• Red Seal Cooks Qualification is an asset.
• Certified Chef de Cuisine Diploma is an asset.
• Previous hotel experience in a fine dining property is an asset.