CAREER OPPORTUNITY:
First Cook (Permanent, Full-Time)
Number of Open Vacancy: One (1) | Vacancy Status: Current
Expected Start date: August 7, 2026
At Donalda Club, we take pride in delivering exceptional service, creating memorable experiences, and fostering a workplace that values leadership, teamwork, and professional growth. We are seeking a First Cook who is passionate about hospitality and thrives in a dynamic, high-performance environment.
As a First Cook, you will be responsible for the execution of duties in a prescribed section of the Casual Dining Kitchen and/or Banquet Kitchen. The First Cook will also oversee junior cooks and / or trainees in the designated area.
The incumbent should be proficient in any cooking position designated by the Executive Chef or Sous Chef. Be able to provide timely and efficient guest service and respond quickly and professionally to members’ requests in keeping with superior member service and will maintain Toronto Public Health procedures and standards of sanitation, perform sundry duties as required.
Schedule and Availability
This position requires availability for shifts scheduled between 11:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., including typical shifts of 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Regular availability on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays is required. The successful candidate must also be flexible and available to work varied shifts based on operational needs.
Please note that Donalda Club is a non-tipping environment.
An Overview of your Main duties & Responsibilities:Technical / Culinary:
- Ensure all necessary stock is available and is kept securely and under the correct conditions
- Ensure that all mise-en-place is freshly prepared and in a timely fashion for service
- Ensure that all dishes are professionally prepared, correctly garnished and seasoned, the correct portion size, and temperature, and on the appropriate service china
- Ensure all dishes are being prepared to the correct specifications, quantity & quality as determined by the Executive Chef/Sous Chef.
- Skilled in preparing red meats and a variety of of entrée dishes
- Strong knowledge of sauces and dressings made from scratch
- Able to work independently and with minimal supervision
- Must be able to work in all areas including garde manger, grill, saucier, entremetier, butchery and pastries
- Full knowledge of food preparation techniques and ingredients while providing buffet service
- Must prepare and submit order lists for food and other stock items in a timely fashion to prevent shortages.
- Must have a developed palate
- Maintains sanitation standards
- Informs when stock is low
- Turns off and cleans kitchen equipment at the end of shift
- Cleans work area daily
- Cleans and maintains refrigerators
- Participates in receiving of goods
Leadership / Communication:
- Have the ability to listen to others and follow instructions
- Must possess the ability to teach and coach junior / trainee staff in food preparation and service
- Ensure that any anticipated shortages are communicated promptly to the Sous Chef or Executive Chef
- Take advantage of any training possibilities when they arise
- Must be self-motivated to maintain Donalda Standards
- Encouraged to communicate and contribute new dishes and menu ideas
- Responsible for completing handovers at the beginning and ending of each shift
- Attend departmental meetings where applicable
What We’re Looking For:
- A minimum of 8 years cooking experience required in a comparable F & B operation
- Have the ability to listen to others and follow instructions
- Ability to cope with extreme pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Basic understanding of food-costing mathematics
- Good eye and memory for detail
- Ability to lead by example
- Ability to remain calm, focused and professional during stressful situations
- Ability to do strenuous physical labour
- Ability to work in a hot environment (110F).
- Ability to lift 50lbs. for a distance of 10 meters.
- Ability to lift 40 lbs. containers three feet off the ground.
- Ability to use chemicals including bleach.
- Ability to climb 2 flights of stairs.
- Must be available for all shifts including nights, weekends and holidays
- Must be certified in Food Handling
Why join us?
- Medical/Pension benefits (Applicable for Full-Time employees)
- Long term disability and life insurance
- Paid sick/wellness days and vacation in accordance with Club policy
- Complimentary staff meals (Taxable benefit)
- Complimentary parking
- Wellness Spending Account
Compensation: The expected compensation range for this role is $25.00 - $26.00 per hour. Placement within the range will be based on demonstrated skills, relevant experience, and internal equity considerations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Statement: Donalda Club uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with certain aspects of the hiring process, such as screening and assessments. These tools support our team but do not replace human judgment. We are committed to using AI responsibly, fairly, and in compliance with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws.
Criminal Background Check: Candidates 18 years or older may be required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.
Donalda Club is an equal-opportunity employer. We are actively working towards creating a diverse work environment because we believe our teams are stronger with different perspectives and experiences.
Our goal is to be an inclusive, diverse, and a respectful work environment where every person can enjoy a successful career at Donalda. This commitment applies to all candidates and employees regardless of race, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, place of origin, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, disability, age, and any other protected characteristic. Donalda also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws.
If you require accommodations to complete any stage of the hiring process, including job applications, pre-employment testing, interviews, or any aspect of consideration for a role. Kindly fill out this form, and a member of our team will reach out to discuss how we can best support and assist you.
