Junior Sous Chef
Platters Catering & Events Inc.
Location: Guelph, Ontario, and various off-site event venues
Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday; shift times will vary based on business needs and event bookings. Occasional evenings and holidays may be required.
About Platters Catering & Events
Platters Catering & Events is a Guelph-based, off-site catering company serving weddings, corporate functions and social events throughout the region. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality food, elevated presentation, attentive service and well-organized event experiences.
We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Junior Sous Chef to join our culinary team. This position is ideal for an experienced cook who is ready to take on greater responsibility, support kitchen leadership and help ensure the consistent execution of our menus.
The Role
The Junior Sous Chef will support daily food preparation and production while helping to maintain Platters’ standards for food quality, consistency, portioning, presentation and safety.
The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen, managing multiple priorities and providing guidance to other kitchen employees when required. They must be able to follow established recipes and procedures, accept constructive feedback and contribute positively to a professional, team-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation and Production
- Complete assigned preparation and production work accurately and efficiently.
- Prepare all menu items according to established recipes, specifications and presentation standards.
- Ensure food is produced in the correct quantity and served at the appropriate quality, portion size and temperature.
- Prepare suitable substitute items when required and authorized.
- Arrange, garnish and finish food to meet company presentation standards.
- Support the timely production of food for catering orders and off-site events.
- Assist with food preparation, packing and execution for catered events as required.
Kitchen Operations and Inventory
- Help ensure the consistent and efficient operation of daily food production.
- Monitor ingredient and inventory levels and communicate shortages or concerns to kitchen leadership.
- Minimize food waste through accurate preparation, portion control and proper storage practices.
- Report equipment maintenance or repair needs promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
Quality, Safety and Sanitation
- Maintain clean, organized and properly stocked work areas.
- Follow all food-safety, sanitation and workplace health and safety procedures.
- Ensure required standards are followed during the preparation, production, cooling, storage and handling of food.
- Help ensure kitchen equipment, utensils and preparation areas are cleaned and maintained correctly.
Team Leadership and Support
- Provide direction and support to kitchen employees when delegated by the Head Chef or Sous Chef.
- Monitor assigned work to help ensure production standards and timelines are met.
- Assist other kitchen team members as operational needs arise.
- Encourage teamwork, respectful communication and a positive working environment.
- Help ensure the kitchen team works collaboratively to produce high-quality food on schedule.
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability and a strong work ethic during every shift.
- Perform other reasonable duties assigned by kitchen leadership.
Qualifications and Experience
- Previous experience working as a line cook, prep cook or in a comparable professional kitchen position.
- Practical knowledge of cooking methods such as sautéing, grilling, roasting and baking.
- Ability to follow recipes, production instructions and plating specifications accurately.
- Experience working in a catering, banquet or high-volume food-production environment is considered an asset.
- Previous experience providing direction or support to other kitchen employees is considered an asset.
- Strong understanding of kitchen sanitation and safe food-handling practices.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English sufficient to understand instructions, recipes and workplace safety requirements.
- Valid Ontario G-class driver’s licence and a clean driving record is required.
- Ability to meet company and insurer requirements for operating company vehicles, as occasional delivery driving will be required.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Professional, dependable and punctual.
- Organized, thorough and attentive to detail.
- Able to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.
- Positive attitude and consistent energy throughout the shift.
- Receptive to direction, coaching and constructive feedback.
- Committed to producing consistent, high-quality work.
- Able to take initiative and identify what needs to be completed.
- Respectful and supportive when working with colleagues.
- Focused on meeting and exceeding client and guest expectations.
Physical and Working Requirements
- Ability to stand and work on your feet for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds safely.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment.
- Ability to travel to off-site event locations and complete deliveries when assigned.
- Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday, with variable start and finish times based on production requirements and event schedules.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and holidays when business needs require.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to join a growing, locally operated catering and events company.
- A professional, team-oriented kitchen environment.
- Exposure to a wide variety of menus, events and culinary experiences.
- Opportunities to develop culinary, organizational and leadership skills.
- The ability to contribute directly to memorable weddings, corporate functions and social events.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $20.00-$22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Culinary: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Food Handler Certification (required)
- Class G Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
