Sous Chef

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?

Sous Chef Responsibilities:

Culinary Leadership

Collaborate with FoodZen Personal Chefs and clients to help 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, helping to oversee each dish, ensuring it meets our high standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.
Assist the executive chef with designing and updating our weekly FoodZen menus, considering seasonality, trends, and customer preferences.
Assist the executive chef in standardizing recipes and overseeing portion control.
In addition, the Sous 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.
Foster a positive work environment to promote team morale, collaboration, and employee retention.
Operational Management

Assist with inventory management; ordering or shopping for supplies, tracking stock levels, and minimizing waste.
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 Sous 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.
Sous Chef Requirements:

Degree in culinary arts or three to five years of equivalent experience.
Minimum of 3 years of 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.
Food Safety's Food Handler Certification
WHMIS Certification
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, is an asset.
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.
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.
Average of 35 hours per week
3 weeks paid vacation
Minimal Sunday evening work includes reviewing orders and finalizing inventory lists.
Occasional evenings and weekends.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus pay
Tips
Benefits:

Company events
Discounted or free food
Flexible schedule
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: 2025-05-20