Sous Chef, Culinary Services

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian University is seeking a Sous Chef for its Culinary Services. The role involves overseeing kitchen operations, mentoring staff, and ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. Candidates should have a Red Seal Cook Certificate and a minimum of 7 years of culinary experience, including leadership in kitchen settings. This term position offers a competitive hourly salary and a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of related culinary experience in a full service or multi-unit operation.
• Experience supervising and leading a team with a proven track record in the culinary industry.
• Continuous industry involvement to stay updated on culinary trends.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision and direction to kitchen personnel.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and customer service.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health standards.

Skills

Exceptional creativity and presentation skills

Strong hands on culinary skill and knowledge

Leadership and mentoring skills

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work for long periods in a fast-paced kitchen

Multitasking and prioritization

Food costing

Problem solving

Education

Red Seal Journeyman’s Cook Certificate

Relevant culinary or hospitality program

Job description

Overview

Sous Chef, Culinary Services

Primary Purpose: The Sous Chef plays an integral role as part of the senior kitchen leadership team managing and ensuring efficiencies and accountability in the day-to-day kitchen operations, assisting in the development and implementation of menu items and food programs as well as contributing to the ongoing mentoring, training, learning and skills development of the kitchen team.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Executive Chef/Manager Culinary Services and Executive Sous Chef, this position works hands-on throughout the kitchen departments providing leadership, supervision and direction to personnel ensuring best culinary practices, efficient production and that food quality, customer service, and workplace standards are maintained.

Work is performed in a fast-paced kitchen environment subject to pressure of inflexible deadlines. Judgment and discretion is required in managing production, food products and inventory, and supporting staff through the changing priorities and competing deadlines of the multiple services that the kitchen supports. The work is physically demanding and can involve moderate to heavy lifting. Shifts include evenings, weekends and/or stat holidays and are subject to change based on business.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Provide staff support in employee supervision, training and development ensuring efficient operations, an engaged and accountable team, as well as fosters a positive work environment
• Maintain standards to ensure high quality food is produced in a professional and efficient manner while continually striving to improve food preparation and presentation
• On a daily basis, ensure a full scope of the kitchen departments to proactively identify and solve challenges and make corrective actions
• Maintain knowledge of all menu items, daily features, promotions
• Responsible for hands-on supervision and coaching of staff, including: providing leadership and motivation to other team members; driving systems and standards of kitchen operations by role modeling and spot checking; and supporting the ongoing development of all kitchen staff
• Participate in recipe and menu development
• Ensure knowledge of department initiatives, vision and goals
• Ensures internal policies and procedures are adhered to
• Apply positive coaching and support to junior staff
• Maintain effective and factual communication with kitchen team as well as internal and external stakeholders
• Assist in Inventory Controls in conjunction with the Central Stores Supervisor to maintain proper rotation of fridges and storage areas to minimize waste
• Act as a liaison between internal departments and stakeholders
• Maintain proper rotation and utilization of stock, fridges and storage areas to minimize waste. When necessary modify menu items, create and scheduling feature items
• Ensure best practices in regards to Food Safety and Occupational Health and Safety
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of kitchen equipment
• Maintain a positive and continuous improvement approach to ensuring best kitchen practices and team growth
• Actively engage and bring forward ideas and suggestions with the leadership team
• Stay current with culinary, food and hospitality trends
• Assume duties of other sous chefs and the kitchen management in their absence
• Maintain a high standard of excellence while representing the University of Saskatchewan at regional and international cooking competitions and/or cooking showcases
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education: Red Seal Journeyman’s Cook Certificate required. Completion of a relevant culinary or hospitality program will be considered an asset. A combination of experience and education may be considered.

Licenses: A Food Safe Certificate is required. WHMIS Certificate is required. A valid class 5 driver’s License.

Experience: Minimum 7 years of related culinary experience within a full service or multi-unit operation and minimum 3 years supervising and leading a team combined with a proven track record of maintaining high standards of productivity, efficiency and growth in the culinary industry. Catering and event experience is required. Experience directing and supervising kitchen staff is essential. Experience participating in culinary demonstrations and competitions. Continuous industry involvement is required to obtain an awareness and working knowledge of current and emerging culinary trends.

Skills:

• Exceptional creativity and presentation skills
• Strong hands on culinary skill and knowledge
• Menu and recipe development
• Ability to work for long period of time in a faced paced and physical kitchen environment
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Leadership and mentoring skills
• Multitasking and prioritization
• Problem solving
• Adapt and scale recipes to production levels and various applications
• Food costing
• Exceptional work ethic. Flexible, positive and energetic with the ability to work under pressure
• Detail-oriented with a demonstrated ability organize work, delegate duties, hold accountability and set priorities for self and others with changing business demands
• Ability to set and enforce standards of performance and adherence to workplace policies and practices
• Perform medium to moderate lifting
• Working independently and collaboratively as a team member

A practical cooking demonstration will be required as part of the interview and selection process for candidates who are short listed.

Department: Culinary Services

Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: CUPE 1975

Shift: Schedule can vary from week to week, is subject to change with business demands. Shifts include early mornings, evenings, weekends and/or stat holidays.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $23.35 - 30.61 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Ancillary Services

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 4

Posted Date: 10/8/2025

Closing Date: 11/18/2025 at 6:00 pm CST

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.