Sous Chef (part time)

To-Live-1; Toronto; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

TO Live is seeking a Sous Chef to join our culinary team. This hourly, part-time, seasonal role requires evenings and weekend hours as needed, reporting to the Executive Chef and leading kitchen operations.

The successful candidate will assist in menu planning, supervise staff, ensure food safety and quality, and contribute to a culture of collaboration and excellence. Prior leadership in high-volume events and a Red Seal or culinary diploma are preferred.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years culinary experience with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Red Seal certification or culinary diploma is an asset.
• Experience in high-volume event-based operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and event days.
• Passion for the arts, hospitality, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Act as kitchen lead in the absence of the Executive Chef.
• Assist in preparation, execution, and supervision of culinary operations.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Oversee and train kitchen staff; foster a positive, efficient, and inclusive working environment.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health regulations.
• Assist in payroll, inventory management, cost control, and other kitchen administration.
• Contribute ideas for new dishes, menus, and event offerings.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

High-volume operations

Food safety

Team training

Education

Red Seal

Culinary diploma

Job description

TO Live is currently seeking a Sous Chef to join our culinary team. This is a dynamic opportunity for a creative, experienced, and passionate culinary professional to help deliver an elevated dining and event experience across our venues.

This is an hourly, part-time, seasonal role. Working evenings and weekend hours is required, as needed.

Reporting into the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef plays a key leadership role in the kitchen, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, safety, and team performance. The successful candidate will assist in menu planning, oversee daily kitchen operations, and support a culture of collaboration, creativity, and excellence.

ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the kitchen lead in the absence of the Executive Chef.
• Support the Executive Chef in the preparation, execution, and supervision of all culinary operations, including buffet dining and catered events.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality and presentation in alignment with TO Live’s brand and guest experience goals.
• Oversee and train kitchen staff; foster a positive, efficient, and inclusive working environment.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and occupational health regulations.
• Assist in payroll, inventory management, cost control, and other Kitchen administration.
• Contribute ideas for new dishes, menus, and event offerings, showcasing local and sustainable ingredients where possible.
• And other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of culinary experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role (Sous Chef or equivalent).
• Red Seal certification or culinary diploma an asset.
• Experienced in high-volume event-based operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of food safety, cost control, and kitchen management systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and event days.
• A passion for the arts, hospitality, and collaboration

What we are looking for:

• A calm solution focussed leader who performs well under pressure
• A strong communicator who collaborates effectively with the kitchen and events team
• A growth mindset person who values consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Passion for hospitality and supporting a memorable guest experience

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to stand and exert fast-paced mobility for entire shift.
• Must be able to frequently lift and carry food and other items weighing up to 45 pounds and occasionally greater.
• Must be familiar with working in a union environment and be aware of the working conditions set out in the Collective Bargaining agreement.
• Variable hours of work including nights, weekends and holidays depending on performance and event schedules.
• Lack of natural light in workplace.
• Travel between TO Live venues as required

THE ORGANIZATION:

TO Live is one of Canada’s largest multi-arts organizations, operating three iconic venues: Meridian Hall, the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and Meridian Arts Centre. In addition, TO Live presents a full range of performing arts, theatrical and concert events at these venues in both downtown and uptown Toronto. With these two hubs of creativity and content creation, TO Live has a unique place and perspective to activate creative spaces by inspiring local and international artists, connect audiences and to be the nexus for new ideas, elevate artistic potential, and be the catalyst for creative expression that is reflective of Toronto’s diversity.

No phone calls or emails please. TO Live thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Together with the Toronto Public Service’s (TPS) initiatives, which TO Lives follows and adheres to, TO Live encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.

We ask that you complete the questions provided as part of the online application to assist us in ensuring our recruitment process and programs are equitable and accessible. Your responses are voluntary and the information that you provide is strictly confidential.

We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Human Resources department will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.