Kitchen Helper Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Reporting to the Sous Chef, the Lead Line Cook will play a key role in supporting seamless execution of culinary operations and events. This role demands a passionate and experienced culinary professional with strong leadership skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The lead line cook will assist in culinary operations, food prep, and production; lead line cooks while working with them; and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality food across all TD Coliseum food service areas and in Catering, the Clubs, Concession and Premium Areas.

This role pays an hourly rate of $23.00 CAD and is tip eligible.

Benefits for Part-Time roles: Pension matching.

This position will remain open until December 4, 2026.

• Provides a two-way line of communication between BOH & FOH during events, expediting food to events.
• Maintain sanitation and quality controls of food standards for the culinary department.
• Follow and maintain set culinary department standards and kitchen guidelines.
• Maintains proper inventory controls and ensures maintenance of all equipment, event setups & breakdowns are in line with event needs. Approach all encounters with guests and employees in a friendly and service-oriented manner.
• Always comply with company standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient facility operations.
• Have thorough working knowledge of menus and preparation skills required to produce food according to facility standards.
• Assist in controlling costs by maintaining food costs within budgeted guidelines as determined by the Executive Chef.
• Ensure the completion of necessary food and station preparations prior to events to ensure that guests are served promptly and efficiently.
• Assists in the food preparation for Catering, Concessions, Commissary Kitchen as well as other departments as required, following specifications of Banquet Event Orders.
• Assist with the team all suite; catering items are completed on time as per set standards.
• Maintains the "Clean as You Go" policy.
• Responsible for maintaining the sanitation and cleaning schedule of the kitchen.
• Keeps all storage areas neat, orderly, and clean.
• Responsible for cleanliness and sanitation of individual work areas and kitchens, including equipment, counters, tools, waste areas, etc.
• Assist with the breakdown of commissary kitchens/concession stands/concession spaces and kitchen lines, ensuring proper storage of food and equipment at the end of each meal period following food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Coordinate with the kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to recipes and standards.
• Follow company policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned

• 2-3 years of experience as a Lead Line Cook or similar role, preferably in a high-volume environment such as a stadium, hotel, catering, or large restaurant.
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety, sanitation practices, maintaining food safety, sanitation, and standards set by the company and the local health department.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with kitchen management software.
• Support and help with culinary operation, development of menus, etc., and other special requests by Executive Chef or the Culinary Management.
• Results-oriented individual with the ability to meet job requirements as a Lead Line Cook.
• Ability to undertake and complete multiple tasks.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to use and maintain basic food service and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to train others in the use of basic food service and kitchen equipment.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills in relation to the culinary profession and the food and beverage industry.
• Ability to quickly identify problems and resolve them.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff, including management and peers.
• Ability to be creative with food presentations and maintain a quality product. Ability to create unique dining experiences.
• Ability to maintain local health codes and sanitation.
• Ability to be able to interact with members/guests professionally, helping them with changes and last-minute requests as needed.
• Ability to work hours as dictated by the event schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and longer hours as required.

Other Qualifications:

• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and other software related to the job is an asset.
• Food Safety and Smart Serve Certification required.
• Red seal certification is an asset.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must be comfortable working in hot and cold environments.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move heavy objects.

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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