Head Chef / Supervisor, Food Services

Covenant House Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading youth support organization in Toronto is seeking a Head Chef/Supervisor for their Food Services department. This role involves overseeing kitchen operations, menu planning, and ensuring food safety. Candidates should have a culinary certification and strong leadership skills. The position offers competitive compensation and benefits, making it a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youth. The deadline to apply is September 17, 2025.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Employee assistance program

Tuition reimbursement

Discounts on gym memberships

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as Chef or Lead Cook, Supervisor or a similar position.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent working knowledge of culinary techniques and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Responsible for menu development and food ordering.
• Train new staff and manage schedules.

Skills

Culinary techniques

Food safety standards

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Technical proficiency

Attention to detail

Financial literacy

Time management

Education

Culinary Education or Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Head Chef/Supervisor, Food Services — Food Services Department — On Site — Full Time, Permanent — Level 8 — Requisition Number: OPS-2025-003

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer 24/7 crisis shelter transitional housing options on-site and, in the community, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.

For over 40 years, Covenant House has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth on the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

Overview

The Head Chef/Supervisor, Food Services will oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, safety, and efficiency. This role will be responsible for menu development, food, beverage & supply orders, equipment review & maintenance; overseeing Food Services staff with on-going coaching and performance management; maintaining inventory, enforcing food health & safety regulations; ensuring timely meal preparation and service; training of new staff; and schedule management.

We are currently recruiting for 1 Full-time, Permanent Head Chef. This is a new role within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Head Chef: Menu planning and development; Kitchen Leadership; Quality Control; Inventory & Cost Management; Health & Safety Compliance
• Supervision, Food Services Staff: Assist in coordinating team functions, reviews and meetings; Arrange work schedules with vendors and internal clients; Training team as required; Oversight of Food Services Ordering and Ticket system; Oversee Food Supply storage areas and ensure inventory is maintained; Update Inventory and order forms and recommend changes and improvements, new products or expirations; Ensure vendor WSIB Clearance Certificates and COIs (Certificates of Insurance) are up to date; Supervision of Food Services Team schedule, cleaning areas, site inspections and reviews
• Reporting: Monthly Food Ordering and Meal reports from ticketing management system for all Food Services pertaining to Main Site; Monthly site inspections; Monthly training & updates as required; Ensure vendor WSIB Clearance Certificates and COIs are up to date; Update schedules, list of duties, events, deficiencies
• Finance: Reconcile invoices with proper GL and Department codes and provide signatures and receipt of delivery; Request purchase orders; Review & source vendors; Update and maintain vendor list

Qualifications

• Culinary Education or Certification. (Food Handler Certification, Food Services Worker Certificate, Food Safety Certification, Food Services Certificate, Red Seal Chef Certification, Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC), Health & Safety Certification)
• Excellent working knowledge of culinary techniques and food safety standards.
• 5+ years experience as Chef or Lead Cook, Supervisor or a similar position. Strong organizational and food preparation skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Organizational Skills: Managing tasks, schedules, and resources efficiently
• Communication Skills: Clear communication with team members and stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Addressing challenges effectively and efficiently.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in tasks.
• Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Financial Literacy: Understanding budgets
• Adaptability: Handling unexpected situations and changes.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to guide and motivate team members.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate processes for improvement.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize and complete work on a timely basis.
• Works effectively in a team environment and fosters a positive work environment.
• Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates a positive “can do” attitude

Dont meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet all qualifications. If you are excited about the role but your resume doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the description, apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles.

What we Offer

• Meaningful work.
• Competitive compensation.
• Benefits such as Health, Dental, Vision, Personal Days, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
• Employee perks which include discounts on gym membership, city bike rentals, auto & home insurance and more.

Interested candidates are welcome to apply directly to this posting on or by September 17, 2025. Only those selected to move forward in our recruitment process will be contacted. No agencies or phone calls please.

Use of AI and Technology in the Hiring Process

Covenant House Toronto does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make or inform hiring decisions. However, we do use an external applicant tracking system (ATS) to help manage applications efficiently.

While our ATS may apply automated filters or sorting functions, all applications are reviewed and evaluated by human recruiters. No hiring decisions are made by AI.

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment

At Covenant House Toronto we believe in a workplace culture of inclusion that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all staff. It is critical to Covenant House Toronto success to eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. Equity groups have been, and continue to be, underrepresented and marginalized in the workforce, leadership roles, and in some specific occupations. Equity groups include but may not be limited to Indigenous persons, racialized people, gender diverse people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policy on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the Covenant House recruitment process.