Prep Cook

Cleese Catering; Toronto; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleese Catering in Toronto, ON is hiring a full-time Prep Cook to support on-site kitchen operations for events and daily service, ensuring quality and efficiency.

You will prepare ingredients, portion and organize items, assist with cooking and baking, follow recipes and safety guidelines, keep stations clean, and collaborate with chefs to deliver timely, high-standard meals for board meetings, conferences and weddings.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to prepare, portion, and organize ingredients.
• Supports cooking and baking activities to aid menu execution.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Clear communication with chefs and kitchen staff.
• Experience in commercial kitchen or catering is beneficial.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift moderate loads.
• Punctual, reliable, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Culinary training or certification is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients, portion items, and keep workstations organized.
• Assist with basic cooking and baking tasks.
• Follow recipes and maintain food safety guidelines.
• Coordinate with chefs and kitchen staff to ensure timely service.
• Maintain clean tools, equipment, and work areas.
• Support event service for boards, conferences, weddings and private dinners.

Skills

Food preparation

Cooking & baking

Food & Beverage knowledge

Communication skills

Time management

Reliability

Education

Formal culinary training or food safety certification

Job description

Cleese Catering is a premier provider of corporate and event catering, known for culinary excellence and personalized menus. The team serves a wide range of events, including board meetings, conferences, weddings, and private dinners, with a strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction. Skilled chefs and dedicated staff emphasize impeccable service, attention to detail, and the use of locally sourced ingredients. Cleese Catering aims to create memorable dining experiences for every client and event.

Role Description

The Prep Cook is a full-time, on-site role based in Toronto, ON. This role is responsible for preparing ingredients, portioning and organizing food items, and supporting cooking and baking activities in the kitchen. The Prep Cook assists with basic cooking tasks, follows recipes and food safety guidelines, and ensures workstations, tools, and equipment are clean and properly maintained. The role also involves coordinating with chefs and other kitchen staff to ensure timely service for events and smooth kitchen operations.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Food Preparation skills, including cutting, portioning, and organizing ingredients.
• Candidates should possess Cooking and Baking skills to support menu execution and production for events.
• Candidates should possess Food & Beverage knowledge, including food safety, hygiene standards, and basic catering operations.
• Candidates should possess effective Communication skills to collaborate with chefs, kitchen staff, and event teams.
• Previous experience in a commercial kitchen, catering, or restaurant environment is beneficial.
• Ability to work on feet for extended periods and handle moderate lifting, with attention to safety protocols.
• Strong time management, reliability, and ability to perform in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Formal culinary training or relevant certification in food handling and safety is an asset.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process consists of two stages:

Stage 1 – Virtual Interview

Selected candidates will participate in a virtual interview to discuss their culinary experience, background, availability, and suitability for the role.

Stage 2 – In-Kitchen Culinary Assessment

Candidates who successfully move forward will be invited to our kitchen for a practical culinary assessment. This will include a demonstration ofknife skills, food preparation, cooking techniques, organization, food safety, and overall culinary ability.

The assessment allows us to evaluate each candidate's practical skills and approach to working in a professional catering kitchen.