Specialty Cook Middle-Eastern flatbreads

Push Operations; Toronto; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Mar'aa in Toronto is seeking a Specialty Cook with hands-on Middle-Eastern flatbread expertise to lead this kitchen station. You will master dough fermentation, oven technique, and craft pide and lahmacun with consistency.

You will train junior staff, collaborate on seasonal specials with the Head Chef, and ensure high standards of food safety, portion control, and waste reduction in a fast-paced service.

Qualifications

• Experience with high-hydration and traditional Middle‑Eastern flatbread doughs.
• Understanding of fermentation timing, proofing conditions, and ambient effects on dough.
• Ability to hand-shape dough consistently under time pressure during service.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage daily dough batches to a consistent standard of texture and flavor.
• Operate and maintain the oven, managing heat zones, fuel/temperature control, and bake timing.
• Hand-shape, stretch, and form dough into pide and lahmacun bases.
• Prepare and portion toppings according to recipe specifications.
• Assemble toppings with proper technique and visual presentation.
• Monitor bake quality — crust color, crispness, and doneness — adjust oven position/timing.
• Maintain mise en place, rotate stock (FIFO), and minimize food waste/cost.
• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and allergen-handling standards.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff on flatbread technique and station standards.
• Collaborate with Head Chef/Kitchen Manager on menu specials, seasonal items, and recipe refinement.
• Monitor and manage station‑level inventory and communicate ordering needs.

Skills

Dough Preparation

Oven Handling

Hand-shaping dough

Food safety

Team mentorship

Tools

Stone deck oven

Job description

Specialty Cook Middle-Eastern flatbreads

• Toronto
• Full-Time
• $21 - $24/hourly + Gratuities

Job Description

Job Description

We're looking for a skilled Specialty Cook with hands-on expertise in Middle-Eastern flatbreads to lead this station in our kitchen. This is a craft-focused role for someone who takes pride in dough fermentation, oven technique, and building balanced, beautifully assembled flatbreads consistently, service after service.

Summary of Duties

• Prepare and manage daily dough batches to a consistent standard of texture and flavor
• Operate and maintain the oven, managing heat zones, fuel/temperature control, and bake timing
• Hand-shape, stretch, and form dough into traditional boat-shaped pide and thin lahmacun bases
• Prepare and portion toppings (meats, cheeses, vegetables, herbs, spice blends) according to recipe specifications
• Assemble toppings with proper technique, portion control, and visual presentation
• Monitor bake quality — crust color, crispness, and doneness — adjusting oven position/timing in real time
• Maintain mise en place, rotate stock (FIFO), and minimize food waste/cost
• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and allergen-handling standards (Safe Food Handling certification required/preferred)
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff on flatbread technique and station standards
• Collaborate with the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager on menu specials, seasonal items, and recipe refinement
• Monitor and manage station‑level inventory and communicate ordering needs

Required Culinary Skills

Dough Preparation

• Experience with high-hydration and traditional Middle‑Eastern flatbread doughs
• Understanding of fermentation timing, proofing conditions, and how ambient temperature/humidity affect dough
• Ability to hand‑shape dough consistently under time pressure during service

Stone Oven / Wood‑Fired Oven Handling

• Prior experience operating a stone deck oven, wood‑fired oven, or comparable high‑heat specialty oven (600°F+)
• Ability to read and manage oven hot spots, rotate product, and adjust for consistent bake results
• Comfort working safely around live fire/high heat equipment

About Mar'aa

Mar'aa is a contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto, known for an elegant, warm dining atmosphere and a menu built on craft, precision, and hospitality.

Why Work for Us

• Craft your specialty, not just a shift. This role is built around your expertise — you'll own the pide and lahmacun program, not just execute someone else’s recipe.
• Yorkville's most refined Middle Eastern kitchen. Be part of a high-caliber culinary team in one of Toronto's most respected dining destinations, working alongside experienced chefs and hospitality professionals.
• Room to grow. We invest in our specialists
• A team that respects the craft. We hire for skill and passion, not just availability — you'll be working with people who genuinely care.

Work Eligibility: Please note that at this time we’re only able to consider candidates who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or hold a currently valid Canadian work permit authorizing employment in this role. Thanks so much for understanding, and we look forward to hearing from applicants!