Head Chef/Kitchen Manager

At FoodZen, chefs get to ditch the hectic restaurant scene and join a team focused on making a real difference. Here, it's all about creating meals that matter. You get to dive into hyper-local, ultra-seasonal ingredients, supporting local businesses and keeping things fresh. Plus, our farm-to-table approach means you'll be cooking up wholesome, nutritious dishes that make a positive impact on people's lives. And hey, who wouldn't want to be part of a crew that's all about spreading food zen and bringing balance to busy schedules?

Head Chef Responsibilities:

Culinary Leadership

• Collaborate with FoodZen Personal Chefs and clients to create custom menus tailored to client preferences, specifications, allergies, and dietary restrictions, all while upholding FoodZen's philosophies.
• Collaborate with the FoodZen Kitchen staff to efficiently prepare pre-made meals, overseeing each dish to ensure it meets high standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.
• Collaborate with the executive chef to design and update our weekly FoodZen menus, considering seasonality, trends, and customer preferences.
• Collaborate with the executive chef to standardize recipes and oversee portion control.
• In addition to overseeing kitchen and in-home service operations, the Head Chef will be responsible for managing a select number of personal chef clients on their own, including designing custom menus, preparing meals, and ensuring client satisfaction in line with FoodZen's standards.

Team Management

• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising FoodZen Kitchen staff while overseeing the quality and service provided by the FoodZen Personal Chefs.
• Foster a positive work environment to promote team morale, collaboration, and employee retention.

Operational Management

• Manage inventory by sourcing vendors that align with FoodZen's philosophies, ordering or shopping for supplies, tracking stock levels, and minimizing waste.
• Monitor food costs, labour expenses, and overhead to ensure profitability while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Oversee kitchen equipment maintenance to ensure all tools and appliances are in proper working condition.

Health and Safety

• Implement and enforce food handling and hygiene standards to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
• Ensure a safe kitchen environment by managing hazards and training staff in safety protocols.
• Appropriately package and label prepared meals for consumption at a later date, ensuring accuracy and compliance with food safety standards.

Customer Satisfaction

• Address customer feedback promptly, making necessary adjustments to ensure satisfaction.
• Maintain consistent communication with Personal Chefs and clients to ensure expectations are met and exceeded.
• Oversee the quality and presentation of meals to ensure they consistently align with FoodZen's philosophies and customer preferences, both in the FoodZen kitchen and in client's homes.

Future Responsibilities

• As FoodZen grows and expands, the Head Chef may take on additional responsibilities, including leading training sessions in our teaching kitchen, contributing to product development, and coordinating pop-up events to showcase FoodZen's offerings and culinary expertise.

Head Chef Requirements:

• Degree in culinary arts or three to five years of equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in a professional kitchen, or managing a personal chef business, including supervisory or leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation, and specialty diets.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team both in the FoodZen kitchen and in client's homes effectively.
• Ability to design and innovate menus while maintaining consistency and executing them in a timely fashion.
• Knowledge and certification in food safety standards, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, clients, and suppliers.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, and work efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Experience in managing food costs, inventory, and budgeting.
• Ability to address issues quickly and effectively, from customer concerns to kitchen challenges.
• Ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy items, and handle the physical demands of a busy kitchen.
• A genuine love for cooking and creating high-quality meals, favouring whole foods over processed ones.
• Access to own computer and ability to work from home.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Word or Google Docs and Quickbooks.
• Must have a clear vulnerable sector check.
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to own transportation with room for equipment and groceries.

Perks:

• Flexible schedule
• Work-from-home hours
• Competitive salary
• Bonuses and tips
• Weekly payment

Schedule:

• Day shifts, usually between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
• Minimal Sunday evening work includes reviewing orders and finalizing inventory lists.
• Occasional evenings and weekends.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus pay
• Tips

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Please provide your food portfolio or link to your social media highlighting your dishes.

Experience:

• Kitchen Management: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: On the road

Expected start date: 2025-01-06