Kitchen Operations Lead

Dolce and Spice Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

A Toronto-based culinary startup is seeking a Kitchen Operations Lead to oversee kitchen operations and establish the culinary department. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership and organizational skills, along with a passion for food innovation. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a kitchen team and develop a fusion menu, with growth potential into a salaried position as the company expands.

Benefits

Opportunity for creative input

Hands-on leadership experience

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in catering, restaurants, or professional kitchens.
• Confident in setting up systems and delegating tasks.
• Excited about start-up culture and growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen operations for events and catering orders.
• Establish standards for recipes and presentation.
• Recruit and train additional kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Culinary innovation

Mentoring abilities

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Overview

Dolce & Spice is a Toronto-based start-up specializing in Italian–Indian fusion cuisine. Our mission is to bring bold flavours and elegant service to weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations across the GTA. While catering is our current focus, our long-term vision is to open multiple storefronts across Toronto, bringing our unique fusion menu to a wider audience. We have catered high-profile events and built a strong following, and we are expanding our team to support the next stage of growth.

About the Role

We\'re looking for a passionate and reliable Kitchen Operations Lead to establish and run our culinary department. This is not a standard cook role — it\'s a leadership position within a growing start-up. The person hired will play a foundational role in shaping Dolce & Spice\'s food culture, building out kitchen systems, and eventually selecting and training their own culinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen operations for events and catering orders.
• Establish Dolce & Spice\'s culinary department, setting standards for recipes, presentation, and efficiency.
• Oversee inventory, ordering, and food costing.
• Maintain consistency, quality, and food safety standards.
• Recruit, select, and train additional kitchen staff as the company grows.
• Collaborate with the CEO and marketing team to scale Dolce & Spice into storefront locations.

Ideal Candidate

• Aims to step into a leadership role, not just a kitchen job.
• Confident in setting up systems, delegating, and mentoring future team members.
• Excited to be \"the first hire\" and build a department under them.
• Experience in catering, restaurants, or professional kitchens.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Passion for food innovation, creativity, and presentation.
• Reliable under pressure, able to adapt in fast-paced environments.
• Excited about start-up culture and long-term growth.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to be part of a unique, fast-growing start-up.
• Creative input in menu development and operations.
• Hands-on leadership experience beyond a typical kitchen role.
• Future growth into a salaried Head of Kitchen Operations position as we expand.
• A collaborative, energetic, and supportive environment.

Compensation

This is a start-up role. Initial compensation is limited but will grow with the company. Ideal for someone looking for leadership experience and a ground-floor opportunity in a fast-rising Toronto brand with plans for multiple storefronts.

Job Details

• Location: Toronto, ON (events across the GTA)
• Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
• Pay: $36,328.77 - $132,794.41 per year
• Work Location: In person