PORTICO INC.

Opportunity for an experienced Private Chef to work for a  Toronto family of four (two parents and twin toddlers). The Chef should have a background in cooking for people with severe food allergies. One family member has celiac disease, and another has severe dietary limitations. Given the children’s young age, the Chef should ideally have experience cooking for young children, including an understanding of how to prepare food safely to prevent choking hazards for little ones.

The family needs a head Chef to manage and a culinary team independently. This position could include sourcing and collaborating with other chefs if/when travelling in other countries. For now, it’s based in Toronto. There is a Sous Chef that is working full-time and tackling the children’s food. Given the scope, they need a head Chef who can lead and manage a team on their own.

 

The position pays well, offers a medical benefits allowance and two weeks’ paid vacation. Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a non-smoking, non-vaping, and this is a fragrance-free home.

 

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Using an off-site kitchen, prepare strict, organic celiac friendly (gluten-free) meals at off-site kitchen (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Family eats gluten-free and keeps a gluten-free home

• Meals are dropped off to the residence—kids are daily drop offs and are the priority, staff (5 staff) and parents 2-3x a week

• Preparing meals for toddlers that are safe for children under 5 to eat. 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). The family is happy to pay for any training the chef wants to take on these themes.

• Ideally, there should be a fat and a protein for each meal. Menus have been created, but they are open to collaborating and expanding these.

• 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.

• In-home cooking for the occasional dinner party (likely once every three weeks)

• Pick up and possible cleaning of some food containers.

• Follow packing protocols for food drop offs

• Prepare drop off lunches 2-3x per week for 5 staff members, and lunch/dinner food for parents (7 people total)

• Grocery shopping at preferred vendors

• Menu planning for approval two weeks in advance

• Inventory management

• Expense reconciliation

• Maintaining a hygienic and organized off-site kitchen with regularly 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 an asset. Experience preparing celiac (gluten-free) and toddler-safe meals is more important. Having both is ideal. Holistic nutritionist background a plus.

• Experience preparing strict gluten-free meals and following celiac disease food guidelines

• Experience cooking for toddlers

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

• Open to travelling with the family 

• Open to feedback and direct communication

• Experienced as a Chef, but still willing to learn and grow

• An ability 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 and aware of one’s energy in a space

• Conscientious of maintaining a hygienic kitchen environment

• Discretion, trustworthiness, and reliability are essential

• Safety, environmental awareness, and conscientious of keeping a hygienic kitchen

• 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

 

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please apply with a résumé and any other relevant material. It will be reviewed and you may be contacted if it is in alignment with the position. Due to response volume, telephone calls are not accepted as a first step in the application process.

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