Sous Chef

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 32,180 - 42,168; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible health spending program

Pension plan with employer match

Life and disability insurance

Three weeks of vacation

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Saskatoon seeks a full-time Sous Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen team. The role demands over 7 years of culinary experience, strong leadership, and a Red Seal Cook Certificate. Responsibilities include supervising kitchen staff, managing operations, and ensuring food quality. The position offers competitive hourly pay (CA$23.36–CA$30.61), benefits like health coverage, vacation time, and professional growth opportunities, contributing to a collaborative culinary environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of related culinary experience in a full‑service or multi‑unit kitchen operation.
• Food Safe Certificate required.
• Red Seal Cook Certificate or equivalent experience is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and supervision to kitchen staff.
• Support employee training and development.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure high culinary standards.
• Participate in recipe and menu development.
• Manage inventory controls and kitchen equipment.
• Monitor culinary trends for improvements.

Skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Strong culinary skills

Adaptability

Education

Red Seal Cook Certificate

Food Safe Certificate

Job description

University of Saskatchewan provided pay range

This range is provided by University of Saskatchewan. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience—talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

CA$23.36/hr - CA$30.61/hr

• Lead, create, and inspire in one of Saskatchewan’s largest and most dynamic culinary operations
• Enjoy competitive pay, a strong pension, comprehensive health benefits, and three weeks’ vacation plus a 10-day holiday closure
• Grow your craft, mentor others, and shape the future of a high‑performing kitchen team at a renowned Canadian university

University of Saskatchewan Culinary Services

The University of Saskatchewan Culinary Services is one of the largest and most diverse multi‑unit food service operations in the province, providing exceptional dining experiences to students, staff, faculty, and the broader Saskatoon community.

Our operation is composed of four key service areas:

• Retail Operations: Featuring 11 franchise and non‑franchised outlets offering a wide variety of fresh, convenient, and innovative food options across campus
• Conference Services: Supporting short‑ and long‑term event bookings and accommodations, primarily throughout the summer months, for local, national, and international groups
• Residential Dining: Delivering high‑quality meals to up to 2,000 students on meal plans through a modern, open‑kitchen, all‑you‑care‑to‑eat facility
• Catering Services: Providing daily catering deliveries, weddings, banquets, receptions, corporate events, and high‑end dinners that showcase elevated culinary craftsmanship

Across all service areas, we pride ourselves on preparing food in‑house, prioritizing fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients, and continuously expanding our culinary repertoire. Our team is passionate about learning new techniques, exploring global flavours, and upholding best kitchen practices. As part of a leading Canadian university, we are committed to professional growth, work‑life balance, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment where culinary talent can thrive.

For more information, please visit our website: culinaryservices.usask.ca/index.php

About the Opportunity

The University of Saskatchewan Culinary Services is looking for a full‑time Sous Chef based in Saskatoon, SK. This position begins as a two‑year term, with a high potential for extension based on operational needs and performance.

Reporting to the Executive Chef/Manager of Culinary Services and the Executive Sous Chef, this role provides day‑to‑day leadership in a fast‑paced, multi‑unit kitchen environment while ensuring high‑quality food production, efficient operations, and exceptional team development.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing hands‑on leadership, supervision, and coaching to kitchen staff
• Supporting employee training, development, and performance accountability
• Maintaining high culinary standards in food preparation, presentation, and customer service
• Overseeing daily kitchen operations and proactively identifying and resolving issues
• Participating in recipe and menu development, including features and promotional items
• Ensuring food safety, occupational health and safety, and adherence to all internal policies
• Managing inventory controls and maintaining proper rotation of stock, fridges, and storage
• Ensuring proper care, use, and maintenance of kitchen equipment
• Liaising and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Monitoring culinary trends and contributing ideas for continuous improvement
• Representing the University at culinary demonstrations, competitions, and showcases
• Assuming duties of other sous chefs and kitchen management during absences

About You

To qualify, you will need a minimum of 7 years of related culinary experience in a full‑service or multi‑unit kitchen operation, Food Safe Certificate, and a Red Seal Cook Certificate, or equivalent experience.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• WHMIS Certificate
• Catering and event experience
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence
• Experience participating in culinary demonstrations and competitions
• Strong hands‑on culinary skills and knowledge
• Menu and recipe development experience
• Ability to adapt and scale recipes for production environments
• Food costing knowledge

As our ideal candidate, you will possess strong leadership, communication, and coaching abilities, while fostering a positive, collaborative work environment. You bring exceptional problem‑solving skills, a detail‑oriented mindset, and the flexibility, energy, and resilience needed to thrive in a dynamic, high‑volume culinary setting.

About the Benefits

Compensation based on skills and experience is an hourly rate of $23.36–$30.61, and a host of excellent benefits including:

• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible health spending program
• Personal Spending Account
• Pension plan with employer match
• Life insurance and disability insurance
• Three weeks of vacation
• Sick days
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Supportive, team‑focused culture within a large, multi‑unit culinary operation
• Opportunities to participate in culinary demonstrations, competitions, and showcases

If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Production and Art/Creative

Industries

Food and Beverage Services and Higher Education

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