Night Kitchen Lead

Society of Graduate Students at WesternU; London; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A university-affiliated dining establishment in London, Ontario, is seeking a Night Kitchen Lead to oversee evening kitchen operations. The role demands strong leadership and culinary skills, ensuring high kitchen standards and team collaboration. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of commercial kitchen experience and relevant certifications. Join us to positively impact the graduate student community while enjoying competitive pay and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive hourly wage

Staff meals and discounts

Opportunity to mentor and grow

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in a commercial kitchen.
• Comfortable working in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
• Experience training and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead evening kitchen operations ensuring timely food preparation.
• Mentor kitchen staff and support team development.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and compliance with food safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Time management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma (OSSD) or equivalent

Food Handler Certification (Ontario)

First Aid Certification

Job description

Overview

Location: London, Ontario, Canada.
Employer: The Grad Club : Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) at Western University.

Position Type: Full-Time, Ongoing Contract (30–35 hours / week).

Schedule: Primarily evenings, with some days and weekends.

Pay: $21.65 CAD. The Grad Club will determine the wage for this role based on the selected candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. We recognize and value prior kitchen leadership, certifications, and culinary training, and will take these into account when setting the starting rate.

About the Role

We are looking for a Night Kitchen Lead to bring leadership, consistency, and teamwork to our evening kitchen operations. This is a hands-on cooking role with leadership and mentorship responsibilities where you will guide the kitchen team during evening service, ensure food is prepared to high standards, and keep the kitchen running smoothly from prep through closing.

Responsibilities

• Kitchen Operations & Food Prep: Lead evening kitchen operations, ensuring food is consistently prepared, tasty, and served on time.
• Prepare and plate a variety of menu items according to Grad Club recipes and presentation standards.
• Help keep inventory organized, reduce waste, and make sure the kitchen is always stocked and ready.
• Support catering and special event orders so they are prepared to high standards.
• Health & Safety: Keep the kitchen clean, organized, and inspection-ready.
• Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Log temperatures, record cleaning duties, and report any equipment or safety issues immediately.
• Leadership & Teamwork: Lead the evening team, setting a positive, professional, and respectful example.
• Mentor and support kitchen staff, helping them learn, grow, and feel supported at work.
• Collaborate closely with front-of-house staff to ensure a smooth and enjoyable service experience for guests.
• Communication & Collaboration: Keep managers updated on staffing, menu, or service issues.
• Share ideas for improving efficiency and teamwork between day and night shifts.
• Pitch in during staff meetings and contribute to making The Grad Club even better.
• Closing Duties: Ensure the kitchen is closed down correctly each night, cleaned, sanitized, organized, and ready for the next day.
• Support front-of-house staff with closing tasks when needed.
• Other Duties: Pitch in where needed to support the overall success of The Grad Club.

What We're Looking For

We're excited to welcome someone who brings both skill and enthusiasm to our team. Here's what will help you succeed as the Night Kitchen Lead.

Education & Certifications

Required

• A high school diploma (OSSD) or equivalent is required.
• Food Handler Certification (Ontario)
• First Aid Certification

Preferred

• Cook (Apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification – C of Q) Trade Code : 415A and / or Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) – Cook, is an asset.
• Allergen Awareness Training is an asset.

The Grad Club will provide any training and certifications needed for this position.

Experience

Required

• At least 3 years of experience in a commercial kitchen (restaurants, hotels, bars, catering, or similar).
• Previous roles such as Line Cook, Lead Line Cook, Prep Cook Supervisor, Kitchen Supervisor, or Kitchen Shift Lead are a great fit.

Preferred

• Experience as a Culinary Apprentice, Red Seal Cook, Sous Chef, or Banquet / Catering Cook is an asset.

Skills & Qualities

• Comfortable working in high-volume, fast-paced kitchens while keeping standards high.
• Strong time management and a sense of urgency when service is busy.
• Skilled at running a station, coordinating with other cooks, and supporting the team during peak times.
• Knowledge of kitchen opening / closing procedures and inventory systems.
• Experience training and / or mentoring part-time, junior staff, and new staff on recipes, food safety, or prep tasks.
• Hands-on experience with catering, buffets, or large events is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills enable you to work respectfully and professionally with colleagues, managers, and guests.
• A team player who uses initiative, tact, and problem-solving to keep things running smoothly.
• Above all, someone who values teamwork, professionalism, and creating a positive environment for staff and guests alike.

Why Work With Us

• Competitive hourly wage.
• Staff meals and discounts at The Grad Club.
• Opportunity to mentor staff and grow your leadership skills.
• A supportive, community-oriented workplace at the heart of Western University.

About the Grad Club

The Grad Club, proudly owned and operated by the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS), is a licensed pub and restaurant located in Middlesex College at Western University. Since 1963, SOGS has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of graduate student life, evolving from a small social club into a robust advocacy organization. The Grad Club reflects that mission by serving as more than just an eatery and pub; it is an academic, social, and wellness hub, often described as the "Heart of Grad Life at Western."

With seating for 197 inside and 203 on the patio, The Grad Club offers breakfast, daily lunch specials, savoury pub fare, complemented by a rotating selection of craft, domestic, and imported beers in partnership with local breweries. Beyond food and drink, The Grad Club is home to cherished traditions such as Trivia Tuesdays and the "Goblet of Knowledge," along with over 60 board games, student-focused events, and community programming. It has become a welcoming space for clubs, cultural gatherings, social events, informal meetings, and even weddings.

Rooted in over half a century of history, from its beginnings as "Happy Hour" in the 1960s to its expansion in 2004 with a full kitchen and year-round service, The Grad Club continues to thrive as an inclusive, safe, and vibrant gathering place. Situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapeewak, and Attawandaron peoples, The Grad Club acknowledges and honours the historical and contemporary contributions of Indigenous peoples to the region and to Turtle Island as a whole.

Apply

If you are ready to lead our night kitchen team and make a meaningful impact on the graduate student community, we invite you to apply today. Join us in creating an exceptional dining experience at SOGS.

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter (maximum of 250 words) highlighting your experience and evening availability by September 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Note: Applications and interviews will be reviewed and conducted on a rolling basis throughout the recruitment period. We encourage you to apply early, as interviews will not wait until the closing date to begin.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.45-$21.65 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 35 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Discounted or free food

Ability to commute / relocate:

• London, ON N6A 3K7 : reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Cooking in a commercial kitchen: 3 years (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Work Location: In person