Assistant Chef

Effectively supervise staff, including CUPE Local 793 members and casual part-time staff depending on assigned work location:

• Oversee the work of and provide direction to applicable kitchen staff.

• Maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders, fostering collaboration and maintaining high staff morale.

• Utilize performance coaching techniques to motivate and guide staff.

• In collaboration with the Unit Chef, determine corrective action and performance management steps for staff when there’s a gap in performance and expectations

• Schedule and coordinate applicable employees to optimize staffing levels and coverage, and to ensure maximum service and production efficiency and effectiveness.

• May be required to mentor and train culinary apprentices.

• Demonstrate sound judgment, tact and objectivity when dealing with concerns and issues that arise.

• Encourage and support the professional development of applicable UWFS staff.

• Assist with recruitment activities and training of applicable staff.

• May be required to enter and review bi-weekly payroll for a small group of employees using proprietary software.

Financial Accountabilities:

• Assist the unit chef in managing food costs and applicable labour costs, ensuring production and serving controls as per budget targets.

• Make recommendations on the pricing of products and menus. May be required to provide cost analysis where needed.

Contribute to the delivery of a positive customer experience:

• Actively participate in relevant departmental and other related committees.

• Assist with themed events to increase customer participation and engagement.

• In collaboration with Unit Chef, assist in the development of new fresh and healthy menus, including specialized menus, which meet or exceed quality standards.

• Work with a high degree of professionalism and courtesy in dealing with the university community.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• May participate in cooking and teaching demonstrations for staff and students to promote UW Food Services’ programs, menus and products.

• May participate in the planning, management and execution of special projects, unit renovations and the introduction of new programs.

• Coverage for other chefs during short term absences.

• Participate in sustainability initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Red Seal Certified. Advanced knowledge of Food Safety and WHMIS.

• Smart Serve certified is considered an asset.

Experience

• Three years of Chef de Partie level or higher experience in a high-volume culinary environment overseeing full service and production kitchens (restaurants, hotels, cruise ships or tourism).

• Experience within a unionized environment is preferred, including demonstrated experience with supervising and coaching.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proven ability to create fresh and exciting menus, focusing on local and healthy food choices, in an attention-grabbing and appetite-inspiring manner.

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in food cost, labour cost and inventory controls.

• Experience applying strict health and safety standards both with food production and workplace safety.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to perform under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to promote and manage a positive customer experience including providing exceptional customer service.

Equity Statement The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations. The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.