Operational Reliability & Program Delivery
COOKSMARTMississauga, Ontario
$22–$28 per hour, based on experiencePart-time, year-roundApproximately 15–30 hours per week, with increased hours during camps and busy programming periods
Help keep COOKSMART running smoothly
COOKSMART is growing, and our programs involve a lot of moving parts: instructors, schedules, supplies, kitchens, classrooms, ingredients, schools, camps and families.
We’re looking for a Program Operations Manager who can bring structure, consistency and follow-through to the day-to-day operation of our programs.
This role is for someone who enjoys working with children but is equally comfortable managing schedules, coordinating people, preparing for programs and solving problems behind the scenes. You’ll help make sure staff know where they need to be, instructors have what they need and programs are ready to run before the first child arrives.
About COOKSMART
COOKSMART provides hands-on cooking, nutrition and food literacy programs for children and youth across the GTA.
Children cook, try new foods, ask questions, work together and build practical life skills in a welcoming environment. We believe children learn best when they are actively involved, encouraged to try new things and given the opportunity to build confidence through real experiences.
Our programming includes school programs, camps, workshops and special events throughout the year.
The role
The Program Operations Manager will help oversee the practical details that allow COOKSMART programs to run reliably and consistently.
You’ll coordinate instructors and assistants, maintain the staffing calendar, help prepare locations and supplies, support staff training, communicate program expectations and help resolve issues when plans change.
You’ll work closely with our founder while gradually taking greater ownership of day-to-day program operations. We have established programs and a clear teaching philosophy. We’re looking for someone who can follow that foundation carefully while using good judgment and sharing ideas that make our systems stronger.
This is a hands-on leadership and operations role that includes teaching when needed. It is not an entry-level instructor position.
What you’ll doStaffing and scheduling
- Maintain the staff availability and scheduling calendar
- Coordinate instructors and assistants for upcoming programs
- Confirm staff attendance and arrange coverage when needed
- Communicate schedules, locations, roles and expectations clearly
- Help onboard and train new team members
- Lead staff orientations, training sessions and pre-program meetings
- Support instructors during programs and provide constructive feedback
- Help experienced staff grow into lead and supervisory roles
- Address attendance, communication and performance concerns professionally
Program preparation and logistics
- Prepare for school programs, camps, workshops and special events
- Ensure locations, kitchens, ingredients, equipment and teaching materials are ready
- Coordinate logistics for program locations within approximately a 30-kilometre radius of Mississauga
- Prepare and maintain program checklists
- Track supplies, equipment and inventory
- Identify missing information, materials or staffing needs before programs begin
- Help ensure staff have everything they need for successful program delivery
Program-day operations
- Be available to support programs and staff when needed
- Help troubleshoot staffing, supply, timing and location issues
- Make practical decisions calmly when plans change
- Support instructors with group management and program flow
- Help ensure programs start and finish as planned
- Monitor program quality and consistency across locations
- Ensure food safety, kitchen safety, allergy procedures and supervision standards are followed
Teaching and program support
- Teach COOKSMART programs when needed
- Help create an engaging, inclusive and well-managed environment for children
- Support age-appropriate activities and group learning
- Ensure programs follow COOKSMART’s lesson plans and teaching philosophy
- Help adapt activities for different ages, abilities and group needs
- Share observations about children’s, families’ and schools’ experiences
Improving our systems
- Notice where communication, preparation or scheduling can be improved
- Suggest practical improvements to operations and program delivery
- Help create clearer processes, checklists and planning tools
- Identify recurring issues and help prevent them from happening again
- Help document effective systems as COOKSMART continues to grow
You may be a great fit if…
- You are the person who notices the missing supply or staffing gap before it becomes a problem
- You enjoy turning a busy schedule into a clear plan
- You can keep track of many details without losing sight of the people involved
- You are dependable, punctual and take commitments seriously
- You enjoy working with children and can keep them engaged
- You are warm and approachable while still comfortable setting expectations
- You stay calm and practical when plans change
- You communicate clearly and follow through
- You are comfortable coordinating and supporting other staff
- You can make programs welcoming and fun without letting them become disorganized
- You respect established programs while bringing forward useful ideas
- You want to take on meaningful responsibility within a growing business
You do not need to be a professional chef or classroom teacher. You do need meaningful experience working with children and the maturity, organization and judgment to help manage a busy program operation.
Experience and qualifications
Required:
- At least three years of experience working with children or youth
- Experience coordinating people, programs, camps, events, classrooms or similar operations
- Experience supervising, training or leading staff, volunteers or program teams
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Clear and respectful communication
- Ability to work independently and follow through
- Reliable transportation is required, as this role involves travelling to COOKSMART program locations within approximately a 30-kilometre radius of Mississauga, including Mississauga, Port Credit, Oakville and surrounding areas
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain it
- Successful Vulnerable Sector Check
- Food Handler Certification, or willingness to obtain it
- Ability to lift and transport program materials and supplies when required
Experience in camp leadership, recreation, children’s programming, event coordination, cooking instruction, nutrition, education, staff scheduling or operations would be an asset.
Schedule and compensation
COOKSMART programming changes throughout the year and may include:
- School programs and workshops
- March Break camps
- Summer camps
- PA Day and holiday programs
- Birthday parties and special events
- Staff training and planning sessions
- Curriculum and program development
This is a part-time, year-round position with approximately 15–30 hours or more per week. Hours vary based on bookings, with increased hours during March Break, summer camps and other busy programming periods.
The successful candidate must be able to commit reliably to scheduled programs, planning responsibilities and key seasonal dates.
As COOKSMART grows, there may be opportunities for increased hours, responsibility and compensation.
Why join COOKSMART?
- Help children build confidence through cooking and hands-on learning
- Work in a creative, active and welcoming environment
- Be part of a growing local business with a clear purpose
- Help create stronger systems and smoother program delivery
- Support instructors and help build a dependable team
- Have a direct influence on how programs operate
- Bring ideas forward and help put them into practice
- Develop meaningful leadership and operations experience
How to apply
Please submit your resume and a short cover letter or introduction.
In your application, please briefly answer:
- What experience do you have working with children or youth?
- Tell us about a time you coordinated staff, volunteers, a camp, event or program.
- What interests you about a role focused on staffing, scheduling and making programs run smoothly?
Please also include your availability during the school year, March Break and summer.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked about how they would handle a common staffing or scheduling challenge.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for children, families and staff. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Pay: $22.00-$28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 15.0 – 35.0 per week
Work Location: In person
