Immediate Opening - Kitchen Lead

Rainbow Community Places; Toronto; On-site; CAD 24,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Rainbow Community Places is seeking a Kitchen Lead to manage two programs, Dorothy's Place for seniors and Toby's Place for youth. The role focuses on meal planning, budgeting, food preparation, and volunteer leadership in a community setting.

The position is part-time with weekly hours including on-site lunch/dinner service and planning activities, and remote planning on some days. The role supports a safe(r) space for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Scarborough.

Qualifications

• Experience leading kitchen operations in nonprofit or community settings.
• Ability to plan inclusive menus within a limited budget.
• Strong collaboration with program coordinators and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Monday meal service for Dorothy's Place and Toby's Place.
• Plan weekly meals, track inventory, and manage grocery shopping within budget.
• Supervise kitchen volunteers and ensure health & safety standards.
• Maintain clean, organized kitchen with regular deep cleans.
• Ensure compliance with safe food handling and space policies.
• Communicate with coordinators and board to discuss policy/workflow changes.

Skills

Kitchen management

Budgeting & cost control

Menu planning

Volunteer management

Safety & sanitation

Team leadership

Education

Food Handler Certification

Vulnerable Sector Check

Job description

Kitchen Lead

About Rainbow Community Places (RCP)

Rainbow Community Places is a non-profit, community-based agency that is committed to empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ people by building community in safe(r) spaces across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We connect, support, and empower 2SLGBTQIA+ communities through engaging programs and experiences. Our vision is to build a community where every queer person feels safe(r), supported, and can flourish. Our core values include Community, Nourishment, Safety, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Empowerment.

Rainbow Community Places is seeking a dedicated and organized Kitchen Lead to manage our meal programs for both Dorothy's Place (a drop-in lunch program for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors) and Toby's Place (an after-school drop-in for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth).

Role Summary

Nourishment is a core value at RCP; we commit to nourishing the mind, body, and self of our community members through meals that meet their holistic needs. We are seeking a Kitchen Lead to ensure consistency in meal planning, grocery purchasing, and high-quality food preparation for two distinct programs: Dorothy's Place (seniors) and Toby's Place (youth). The Kitchen Lead will be supported by and expected to provide leadership to volunteers who assist at the programs. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, organized, and empathetic self-starter who excels at food preparation within a budget, fosters team buy-in, and understands the unique nutritional and social needs of youth and senior community members.

If you are an organized, resourceful, and empathetic individual who believes in the power of community to transform lives, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Operations: Lead all aspects of Monday meal service—including food preparation, cooking, dietary accommodation tracking, and kitchen clean-up for both Dorothy's Place (lunch) and Toby's Place (dinner). Model and manage kitchen closing procedures alongside staff and volunteer teams.
• Planning & Logistics: Handle weekly meal planning, inventory/pantry tracking, and grocery shopping within a set budget. Consult regularly with Dorothy's Place and Toby's Place Program Coordinators to ensure menus align with participant preferences, program plans, and nutritional goals. Retain and submit to RCP Treasurer all invoices and receipts for grocery purchases.
• Volunteer Management: Supervise and direct kitchen volunteers during Monday shifts, ensuring proper food handling, health and safety compliance, sanitation protocols, and a supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Kitchen Stewardship: Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, including regular deep cleans of the fridge (monthly) and freezer (quarterly).
• Safety: Ensure all kitchen activities adhere to health and safety standards and contribute to the safe(r) space policy of the organization.
• Communication and Team Engagement:Maintain open, constructive communication with Program Coordinators and the Board. Seek team buy-in when proposing kitchen policy or workflow changes, and raise operational concerns through established supervisory channels.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Strong experience in food preparation, batch cooking, and kitchen management within a community, non-profit, or food service setting.
• Demonstrated experience in menu-based grocery shopping, budget-conscious purchasing, and managing pantry and fridge/freezer inventory.
• Candidates must either possess a valid driver's license with reliable vehicle access for grocery procurement OR have proven experience arranging and coordinating food delivery logistics.
• Experience planning inclusive menus celebrating cultural diversity while adhering to strict budgetary boundaries.
• Capacity to lift, move, and set up tables, chairs, heavy food crates, and kitchen supplies.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse staff and volunteer teams, foster positive working relationships, and seek team buy-in on operational workflows.
• Strong commitment to RCP's mission, vision, and core values, with a clear understanding of low-barrier food access and how to build safe(r) spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and seniors.
• Valid Food Handler Certification (or willingness to obtain prior to start date) and a clear Vulnerable Sector Check.

Work Conditions

• Primary Location: Monday's at 33 East Road, Scarborough, Ontario.
• Remote for meal planning. Alternate days for shopping and kitchen cleaning
• Regular Hours: 12 hours per week.
  • Monday's: 8-10 hours on-site, covering lunch and dinner program windows.
  • Hours can be flexible following lunch clean-up and before dinner.
  • Lunch available between 12-1 pm
  • Dinner available between 5-6 pm
  • Flexible: 2-4 hours per week for administrative tasks, meal planning, and shopping.
• Position Type: Part Time
• Hourly Wage: $21 hr.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and inclusive culture where all employees can thrive.