Frontlines is a community-based organization dedicated to empowering youth and families in the Weston-Mount Dennis area through innovative programs in education, employment, wellness, and leadership. Our Culinary Program provides training and employment pathways for youth while addressing community food insecurity through our catering and Grocery Give-Away initiatives.

The Role:

The Culinary Manager is responsible for leading the Culinary Function at Frontlines, ensuring that food programs effectively support the organization’s mission. By maintaining efficient kitchen operations, managing food inventory, and upholding food safety standards, the Culinary Manager ensures high-quality service delivery. Additionally, this role fosters skill development by providing culinary training to staff, volunteers, and program participants. Through strong leadership, collaboration with community partners, and a focus on food security initiatives, the Culinary Manager strengthens Frontlines' ability to nourish, empower, and engage the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and deliver the Culinary Program curriculum, providing unemployed youth (ages 18–29) with hands-on and in-class hospitality training every eight weeks.

• Oversee all kitchen and catering operations, including menu development, food preparation, event execution, and quality assurance to ensure excellence in products and services.

• Coordinate and track community meal preparation and food distribution to local agencies and partners.

• Manage food purchasing, inventory, and expense tracking to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.

• Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining safe working conditions for youth participants, staff, and volunteers.

• Supervise and mentor staff, volunteers, and program participants, fostering teamwork, skill development, and positive engagement.

• Build and maintain partnerships with hospitality industry leaders, local businesses, and community organizations to enhance program and catering opportunities.

• Collaborate with the Marketing Department to promote catering services, strengthen brand visibility, and increase revenue for program sustainability.

• Track program outcomes, financial performance, and community impact; prepare reports for funders, the board, and internal evaluation.

• Support proposal writing and fundraising initiatives, and develop a long-term sustainability plan to ensure ongoing program viability.

• Represent Frontlines at community and industry events to promote the Culinary Program and its services.

Qualifications & Skills

• Post-secondary education or equivalent experience in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field.

• Minimum 3 years of professional culinary and management experience, preferably in community, catering, or training environments.

• Strong knowledge of Caribbean, African, and international cuisines is an asset.

• Demonstrated experience in youth training, supervision, and mentorship.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Experience with budgeting, menu development and project management.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with tools like Square, Jumbula, and Canva.

• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle (preferred).

• Current First Aid and CPR certification (asset)

• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.

• Food Handlers Certificate and knowledge of food safety regulations, ensuring compliance in all kitchen operations

• Expertise in food preparation, portion control, meal planning, and nutrition- Knowledge of diverse cuisine- 

• Experience with cost control, procurement, and inventory tracking to manage kitchen budgets effectively

• Proficiency in using kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.

• Ability to design and implement culinary training programs and workshops

•  Experience in catering services, event planning, and customer service for external catering clients

• Understanding of grant reporting, program evaluation, and administrative documentation

• Previous experience in catering, event planning, or restaurant management is an asset

• Experience in a multi-ethnic, high density, urban communities

What We Offer

• Paid time off and flexible working hours.

• Free on-site parking.

• Extended health, dental, life, and critical illness benefits.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• A supportive, inclusive, and diverse work environment where your leadership makes a community impact.

Conditions of Employment

The successful candidate must provide a Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check prior to employment.