Head Chef

About Us

Market Fresh is Guelph’s premier independent grocer focused on local producers and products. We have been in operation for 25 years and pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service and quality food. Our full-service grocery store includes a from-scratch kitchen, Gourmet to Go (G2G) Cafe & HMR Counter, scratch bakery, butcher shop, deli, garden centre, and giftware area.

Market Fresh is a celebration of fine food—making us a destination shopping experience for community members and visitors. Our MF in the Community program seeks to raise awareness and funding for local not-for-profit programs and charities aligned to our mission to buy local, be local, support local.

Position Summary

The Head Chef plays a vital role in the kitchen, serving as the second-in-command and assisting the Culinary Director in leading the daily operations in the Market Fresh kitchen and G2G cafe. This individual will ensure the highest quality in food preparation, presentation, and overall service while upholding our commitment to the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety.

The Head Chef must demonstrate leadership, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Assist the Culinary Director in planning and executing seasonal menus that align with the store’s values and customer expectations.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations focused on offering quality home meal replacements (HMR) that are Ready to Eat (RTE) and served from our Gourmet to Go Cafe and Hot Counter, Ready to Heat (RTH) and sold from our prepared food and Grab n' Go coolers, and a combination of the two through Market Fresh's well-established catering department.
• Ensure adherence to all food safety and sanitation standards in compliance with the Ontario Ministry of Health.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, providing training on cooking techniques, safety protocols, and kitchen best practices.
• Delegate tasks effectively to ensure smooth and efficient kitchen workflow.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment.

Inventory & Vendor Relations

• Monitor inventory levels and assist in ordering supplies to maintain a well-stocked and organized kitchen.
• Build and maintain relationships with our vendors to source high-quality, local ingredients.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment, including cooler and freezer spaces.
• Minimize waste through efficient use of ingredients and adherence to portioning standards.

Culinary Excellence

• Ensure all prepared foods meet Market Fresh’s high standards for taste, presentation, and freshness.
• Collaborate with the Culinary Director to innovate and experiment with new recipes and techniques that reflect the store’s dedication to unique culinary offerings and cost-effective food production.
• Foster a culture of cleanliness and food safety as a core value of Market Fresh’s culinary operations.
• Stay informed about market trends and seasonal ingredients to enhance product offerings.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional kitchen, with at least 1 year in a leadership role.
• Experience working in farm-to-table, artisanal, or specialty food environments is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficient in a variety of cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Passion for local, high-quality, and innovative food offerings.

Accessibility Accommodation Statement

Market Fresh is committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Company events
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Store discount
• Vision care

Application question(s)

• What does your weekly availability look like?
• Briefly describe your leadership style in the kitchen.
• What is the largest Kitchen team you have supervised?

Work Location: In person