PORTICO INC.

Part-time opportunity for a trained Sous Chef to work alongside a Private  Chef cooking for a Toronto family of four (two parents and twin toddlers). The Sous Chef ideally has experience cooking safe, organic, and gluten-free meals for celiac disease. This includes strict maintenance of a gluten-free kitchen in coordination and guidance from the Private Chef, including awareness. The Chef will work with the Private Chef and occasionally alone on the Private Chef’s days off, sick days, and vacation.

 

Meals are prepared off-site and delivered and dropped off on a daily basis to the residence, including staff lunches. The Sous Chef works with the Private Chef at an off-site kitchen that is free of gluten contamination. The Sous Chef must have a G-level driver license and access to a vehicle for work purposes (mileage is paid). They must hold current status to legally work in Canada.

 

This position is part-time and offers a base of 24-hours a week with a guaranteed minimum. Because of the nature of the schedule, the position suits an individual with experience as a Personal Chef with other clients, although the family would like dedication in return for a guaranteed minimum. The position suits a Sous Chef with ambitions to become a Private Chef and is anxious to learn. A no-ego Chef who will work well with the Private Chef.

 

Schedule includes weekends, statutory holidays (paid in accordance with Employment Standards Act), and Private Chef’s vacation.

 

Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a non-smoking, non-vaping, and fragrance-free home. The position is only open to those who hold current status to legally work in Canada. Applicants must hold a current passport with no travel restrictions as occasional travel may be required.

 

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Work in conjunction and in support of the family’s full-time Private Chef

• Reports to the Private Chef

• Work alongside the Private Chef to help prepare the following:​

  • Prep or prepare strict, organic gluten-free meals at an off-site kitchen (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

  • Help labelling preparation detailed instructions for dropped off food at the family home

  • Prep or prepare meals that are toddler safe. This means using preparation techniques including specific cuts to avoid choking, making sure some foods are a specific consistency (ex: ripe vs. hard fruits), and having basic knowledge about choking hazards for children (ex: nut butters are sticky, or a whole grape is often a choking hazard). 

  • Ideally, there should be a fat and a protein for each meal.

• Menus are created by the full-time Private Chef

• Drop off bulk meals on a daily basis. Meals are packaged in glass containers, labelled (including ingredients and expiration date) and boxed. If there are any directives for preparing the food, they should be included as well.

• Pick up and possible cleaning of some food containers.

• Follow packing protocols for food drop offs

• Possible assistance with grocery shopping at preferred vendors. The family likes to support local (farmers’ markets) and ethical producers whenever possible.

• Maintaining a hygienic and organized off-site kitchen with regular cleaning (including deep cleaning) of appliances, pantry, drawers, cupboards

• Always maintain confidentiality

• Be prepared to sign a confidentiality agreement

• Be willing to agree to a reference and background check

• This job profile is dynamic and will evolve as the family’s needs change

 

Qualifications:

• Culinary certificate is a definite asset, however, experience preparing gluten-free and toddler-safe meals is more important. Having both is ideal. Any type of holistic nutritionist background is also welcomed.

• Experience preparing gluten-free meals and following celiac disease food guidelines. The Private Chef will also provide training.

• Experience or willingness to learn safe cooking techniques for toddlers

• A G-level license and a vehicle for work purposes (mileage paid)

• Being open to occasional travel with the family is an asset, but not required

• A willingness / eagerness to learn family preferences and diet requirements. Open to feedback.

• An ability and willingness to work in both a directed and self-directed manner

• Good time management and ability to produce menus that are approved

• Strong open communication skills (written and verbal)

• Child friendly

• Conscientious of maintaining a hygienic kitchen environment

• Discretion, trustworthiness, and reliability are essential

• Experience working in a collaborative team

• Safety and environmental awareness

• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Sponsorship is not being considered.

• Hold a valid and current passport with no travel restrictions

• This is a non-smoking, non-vaping, and fragrance-free residence

• Be willing to undergo a background and reference check

• Must hold current status to legally work in Canada

 

PLEASE NOTE: We thank everyone for their application. Unfortunately, only those who qualify for the position will be contacted due to volume of responses.