Sous-Chef (Relief)

Wesley; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Positive work culture

Professional development

Staff appreciation events

Employee discounts

Job summary

Wesley in Hamilton, Ontario, is seeking a dynamic Sous-Chef (Relief) to join our First Start Catering and Food Services team. You will work with the Chef and Food Services Manager to plan and execute catering services, prepare meals, and maintain kitchen operations.

This unionized relief role requires a minimum 2 days per week, daytime shifts, and the ability to lift 50 lbs. The rate is $23.15 per hour, with opportunities to contribute to menu development and client service in a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; post-secondary culinary education an asset.
• Minimum 3 years cooking experience in high volume or busy kitchen environment.
• Safe Food Handlers Certificate and First Aid/CPR.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a positive attitude and professional environment in line with Wesley policies.
• Plan and execute diverse catering services and meals with the Chef and staff.
• Create recipes and adapt menus to customer needs and cost considerations.
• Prepare catering and meal services with quality, efficiency, and team support.
• Maintain kitchen operations, documentation, inventory, cleaning, and training.
• Provide friendly service during in-person serving and events.
• Support improvements based on feedback from Chef and Food Services Manager.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and organizational development activities.
• Maintain a safe working environment following food safety practices and equipment use.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Menu planning

Catering execution

Team collaboration

Food presentation

Education

High school diploma

Culinary education (asset)

Job description

Sous-Chef (Relief)

Posting #: 4334 Posting Date: 11 August 2026
Posting Closing: 11 October 2026

No. of positions: 2

Have you heard of us?

Wesley is a long-standing local non-profit and a certified Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) employer. We are passionate about assisting people struggling with poverty. Our work is focused on children and family programs, housing & homelessness, and resettling newcomers to Canada in Hamilton, Halton, and Brantford.

We are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policies are integral to our mission and practices. We believe that a diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences that enhance our ability to serve our community effectively.

All members of our organization are expected to embrace and actively participate in our EDI initiatives. By joining our team, you will be contributing to an environment that promotes equity, respect, and inclusion for all.

Are you the one we’re looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic, highly motivated Sous-Chef (Relief) who demonstrates our values of compassion, accountability, responsiveness and empowerment; to our clients, families and each other.

The Sous-Chef (Relief) works as part of a team to deliver First Start Catering and Food Services and maintain kitchen operations as outlined by the Chef and Food Services Manager. The Sous-Chef must be able to independently create recipes and execute catering activities with support from the Chef.

This position is a unionized, relief position, to support coverages. We are seeking candidates who have a minimum availability of 2 days a week on a regular basis. Shifts are typically daytime between Monday-Sunday, and may occasionally include early mornings or evenings. The rate of pay is $23.15 per hour.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Maintain a positive attitude and professional environment, following all Wesley policies, operational plans and industry standards to meet the goals and standards of Wesley and our Food Services.
2. Plan and execute diverse catering services and meals, in collaboration with the Chef, kitchen staff, volunteers and clients
3. Create recipes showcasing global flavours and adapt menu to customer needs (e.g., variety, cost, presentation)
4. Independently and collaboratively prepare catering and meal services with exceptional quality in a timely and cost-effective manner
5. Follow processes to maintain smooth kitchen operations including recipe documentation, inventory management, deep cleaning, and training others
6. Provide friendly customer service to clients and customers and deliver in-person serving (e.g., buffet, plated) as required
7. Support continuous improvement and implement changes based on feedback as directed by Chef and Food Services Manager
8. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and organizational development activities
9. Maintain a safe working environment, by following food safety, cleaning practices, and proper use/maintenance of equipment
10. Other duties as required

What you will bring:

1. High school graduate or GED diploma required; post-secondary culinary education an asset
2. Minimum 3 years of cooking experience in high volume kitchen or small/busy restaurant environment; must have well-rounded experience in various workstations and responsibilities; catering experience an asset
3. Strong knowledge of best practices and all applicable standards and legislation related to the food industry
4. Safe Food Handlers Certificate and First Aid/CPR
5. Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods

Invest in Yourself as we Invest in You! Wesley offers…

• A positive work culture that prioritizes all staff having an opportunity to contribute
• A supportive team that will empower you to achieve great milestones!
• Fun and engaging organizational events such as our Staff Appreciation Event
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee Discounts

Wesley is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. More information about Wesley can be found on our website at www.wesley.ca.