Culinary Manager- Retirement Living

Cogir Senior Living•Newmarket, ON

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Cogir Senior Living manages retirement residences across the country, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. For over 25 years, they have focused on the happiness of retirees, driven by values of Human Focus, Creativity, and Excellence. The company seeks individuals passionate about making a difference. The Culinary Manager role involves leading the culinary and dining department, managing a team of culinary and service professionals, and ensuring cost efficiency. The manager will collaborate to deliver an unparalleled culinary experience to residents, focusing on excellent service, diverse menus, premium ingredients, and impeccable presentation. The role emphasizes motivating the team, fostering a shared commitment to values, and elevating the dining experience. It offers a balance for creativity and a fulfilling lifestyle, making a meaningful impact on seniors' lives. The Culinary Manager will work closely with the Executive Director, National Director, and Regional Managers of Culinary, as well as residents, to translate culinary visions into actionable plans. This includes leading the team, overseeing financials, prioritizing resident satisfaction, and crafting an exceptional dining experience to achieve "Best In Class" distinction. The role is multifaceted, encompassing collaboration, effective management, hands-on guidance, compliance assurance, relationship cultivation, and culinary innovation, contributing significantly to the culinary program's success and resident satisfaction.

Requirements

Culinary knowledge and experience with cooking techniques to create high quality dishes
Strong leadership to inspire your team
Dedicated to mentoring and coaching a team of culinary professionals
Time management with the strong ability to multi-task
Strong attention to detail, quality and taste
Clear and open communication
Customer/resident focused
Innovative thinking with the ability to analyze a situation and develop effective solutions
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships
Able to remain composed under pressure
Willingness to stay up to date on newest culinary trends
Basic financial knowledge
Several years of experience as a professional chef, progressing through various kitchen roles
Prior experience in a supervisory or leadership role within a culinary setting (e.g., Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, or Lead Cook), preferably in a unionized environment
Post-secondary education in the field of culinary management or a related field
Possession of a valid Food Safety/Food Handler's Certification, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining a safe and hygienic food environment
Understanding of food safety regulations, sanitation practices, and proper handling of ingredients to maintain a safe and hygienic kitchen environment
Smart Serve Certification or provincial equivalent, attesting to the ability to serve alcoholic beverages responsibly and in compliance with regulations
Strong computer skills for inventory management, menu planning software, and communication
Familiarity with budgeting, cost control, inventory management, and optimizing food costs to ensure efficient kitchen operations
Must provide a complete and current (within six months) Vulnerable Sector Check (including a Criminal Background Check) or be willing to obtain one

Nice To Haves

Red Seal Certification
Experience working in retirement living

Responsibilities

Manage the culinary and dining department
Recruit, train, and oversee a team of exceptional culinary and service professionals
Operate with an eye on cost efficiency
Collaborate to deliver an unparalleled culinary experience to our residents, marked by excellent service, diverse menus, premium ingredients, and impeccable presentation
Motivate your team, ensuring a shared commitment to our values and an elevated dining experience
Work closely with the Executive Director, National Director and Regional Managers of Culinary and residents to translate culinary visions into actionable plans, fostering alignment and successful execution
Adeptly lead a team
Oversee financials
Prioritize resident satisfaction for a cohesive, high-achieving culinary operation
Craft an exceptional dining experience that garners distinction as the "Best In Class," elevating meal quality and presentation
Provide hands-on guidance
Ensure compliance assurance
Cultivate relationships
Drive culinary innovation

Benefits

Competitive Compensation Package
Eligibility to our department manager bonus plan
Opportunity for annual merit increases
Comprehensive Onboarding and Training
Coaching and Mentoring from Regional and National teams
Access to dedicated support staff and resources (administrative support, operational guidance, Legal or Finance)
Flexible Benefits Plan
Medical coverage
Dental and health benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
RRSP matching program
Three weeks of vacation per year
Additional sick and personal days
Service awards program
Celebration stations
Clear paths for career progression within the organization (opportunity to move into regional and national positions)