Head Chef

De Mazenod Door Outreach

Job Title: Head Chef/ Kitchen Manager

Location: Hamilton, ON

About Us: 

De Mazenod Door Outreach is a ministry of St. Patrick’s Church dedicated to feeding the poor and marginalized two meals a day, 365 days a year.  Our outreach kitchen serves as a beacon of hope, providing nourishing meals and support to those in need in Hamilton’s inner core. We believe in the power of Food to uplift and unite, and we are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and dignity for all. Additionally, we are fortunate to have a 19-acre farm in Ancaster, which grows fresh vegetables and farm fresh eggs to support the kitchen menu.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Head Chef/Kitchen Manager to join our outreach kitchen team. As the Head Chef, you will play a vital role in planning and preparing nutritious meals with care and respect for the individuals we serve.

You will work closely with staff and volunteers to ensure that every meal reflects our commitment to quality, flavour, and nourishment.  Daily meal preparation will require creativity, as a registered Charity much of the food ingredients are donated by different sources: organizations, companies, schools and individuals.

 The Head Chef will work closely in collaboration with the Donor & Volunteer Relations Manager, Farm Manager, Hospitality Team, and the Outreach & Alliances Manager. This position reports to the President & CEO.  Strong communication, kind collaboration and a friendly and professional demure is expected.  The kitchen is staffed by wonderful volunteers who believe in our mission. This role is ideal for someone who is flexible and can pivot quickly when needed. The successful candidate will work well under pressure, has strong organizational & communication skills, can juggle multiple priorities, while maintaining a safe and friendly environment for all.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Planning and preparing daily menus that meet the nutritional needs of our community members.

·         Ensure policies and procedures are adhered to by kitchen staff and volunteers, and follow the appropriate incident protocols

·         Oversee kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating, ensuring meals are served on time and in accordance with health and safety standards.

·         Train and supervise kitchen volunteers, providing guidance and support to ensure smooth and efficient operation.

·         Maintain inventory levels and ordering supplies to support meal production and minimize waste.

·         Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in the kitchen, where volunteers and staff feel valued and supported.

·         Collaborate with the Farm Manager on vegetable needs to support the daily menu.

·         Communicate volunteer staffing needs with the Donor & Volunteer Relations Manager.

·         Maintain reports to ensure that daily donations are accurately captured and shared with the Donor & Volunteer Relations Manager.

·         Operate the kitchen in a manner that follows the outlined policies and procedures by the Hamilton Diocese and the Volunteer Policy Handbook

·         Coordinate the weekly food giveaways of pantry items at our weekly Friday BBQ, and maintain inventory of offsite food storage, giving away the nearest expirations first. 

·         Attend industry meetings as relevant to the role: Food Share

·         Support the Donor & Volunteer Relations Manager in unique donor events and engagement activities

·         Provide direction to the Kitchen Supervisor and Donation Driver Employees

·         Check the daily volunteer schedule for attendance, and communicate any absences.

·         Maintain a focus on eliminating food waste, be resourceful and mindful of budget.

·         Ensure the Volunteer Break Lounge is organized, accessible and welcoming.

·         Work with the Donor & Volunteer Relations Manager on all volunteer and donor related matters.

Qualifications:

·         Post secondary culinary education

·         Have a valid Standard First Aid & AED Certification (or willing to complete)

·         A valid Safe Food Handling Certification

·         Previous experience working as Head Chef in a kitchen environment, with supervisory responsibilities.

·         Knowledge of culinary techniques and familiarity with food safety and sanitation practices.

·         Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing food insecurity or homelessness.

·         Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with volunteers, staff and community partners.

·         Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and willingness to lend a hand wherever needed.

·         Commitment to the mission and values of the De Mazenod Door Outreach, and understanding of how a faith-based ministry operates.

Benefits:

·         A competitive salary based on experience.

·         A comprehensive benefits package.

·         Opportunities for professional development and training.

·         Meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of others.

·         A supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions are valued.

 
**How to Apply**
If you are passionate about using your culinary skills to make a positive impact in the community, we want to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a brief statement outlining why you are interested in joining our outreach kitchen team and how your experience aligns with our mission.

Join us in creating a world where everyone has access to nourishing food and a sense of belonging. Together, we can make a difference, one meal at a time.