LOCATION: The 519

Download a PDF of the full job posting here.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Reporting to the Manager, Catering and Community Food Services, this position is responsible for supervising a range of food production team members and volunteers to effectively deliver all food production activities at The 519 including community food programs, catering and events service, coordination, administration and planning for our 14-room meeting and events facility as well as for our large signature events.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provides supervision and hands-on leadership to kitchen staff (programs and catering), volunteers and placement students in the day-to-day operation of The 519’s catering activities including all food production services, day-to-day deliverables, basic logistics, and operations.
• Prepares and manages effective work schedules, prep lists, mise-en-place lists and production schedules. Updates, maintains and enforces recipe/spec adherence and assists with updating and generating recipe cards and spec sheets.
• Maintains and delivers high quality customer service standards across all events and catering activities to ensure effective business operations and adjust service standards with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Supervises Operations and other cross organizational teams to ensure effective coordination and support on venue management (set-up-tear-down), event support and customer service are delivered in a timely and orderly manner including volunteer direction, staff training.
• Oversees the day-to-day cleanliness of food service and storage areas, manages staff to ensure health & safety standards are met, and works with other Operations team members to maintain hygiene standards. Reports equipment and maintenance issues to the Manager.
• Contributes in developing promotional materials, menus, sales tools, policies and tracking systems that will contribute to keeping the menu and food offerings current. This will include partnership with various cross-organizational teams to develop fee-for-service, food-based workshops, events and activities which enhance and complement the catering offerings of The 519.
• Supervises alcohol service and inventory controls, ensuring strict adherence to Smart Serve and other legislative requirements. Assists with developing all food and beverage programs.
• Works with the Manager and cross organizational teams to develop and deliver quarterly promotion, advertising, sales strategies, and training materials.
• Completes ordering, purchasing, quotations and invoice processing. Tracks purchasing and supports the Manager with appropriate record keeping. Assists with budgets, vendor relations and sourcing.
• Ensures the implementation of a comprehensive understanding, knowledge and delivery of dietary restrictions including (but not limited to) allergens, intolerances, sensitivities, special diets, cultural and religious restrictions, and age-appropriate foods. Communicates these with clients and staff effectively.
• Supports effective client relations and responds directly to general inquiries, and special requests in the absence of the Manager.
• Supervises, motivates and trains assigned staff, ensuring effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others.
• Supervises the day-to-day operation of all assigned staff including the scheduling, assigning and reviewing of work. Authorizes and coordinates vacation and overtime requests. Monitors and evaluates staff performance, approves salary increments, hears grievances and recommends disciplinary action when necessary.
• Implements and abides by The 519’s policies procedures and complies with all applicable legislation and regulations including but not limited to coordination and training of volunteers, confidentiality, Toronto Public Service By-law, MFIPPA, purchasing and inventory control systems, Health and Safety, operational and human resources policy, organizational risk assessments, and develops and maintains mitigating policy and practice.
• Participates and supports The 519’s broad activities and other related policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum 3-5 years management experience in the hospitality/food services industry with extensive experience in food preparation, customer service, purchasing, menu planning, food costing, budget /financial management, and must have current safe food handling certificate.
2. Related post-secondary education in culinary arts, event planning, hospitality, meeting and event management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. Excellent organizational skills including a strong attention to detail, ability to multi-task and work in a high-pressure, high-volume team-oriented environment with minimal supervision.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively within a diverse staff team.
5. Well-developed interpersonal and customer service skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing.
6. Strong relationship management skills in order to develop solid professional relationships with co-workers, customers, funders and the general public.
7. Demonstrated ability to work with 2SLGBTQ+ communities including demonstrated experience integrating anti-racism, anti-oppression and intersectional values and principles into daily practice.
8. Ability to identify and analyze problems and develop effective, appropriate solutions.
9. Experience using computerized software programs which include the Microsoft 365 (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Square or comparable POS systems and social media and web management tools.
10. Smart Serve is considered an asset, or completion will be required after employment.
11. Food Handler’s Certification required, or will need to be completed immediately upon employment.
12. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple demands within tight deadlines.
13. Willingness to work weekends, evening shifts and holidays as assigned.
14. Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.

POSITION DETAILS

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Email your cover letter and resume as one document to Careers@the519.org no later than December 14, 2025. Please quote Job #25-21 and your name in the cover letter and in the subject line of the email. For example, in the subject line write “Job 25-21 First Name Last Name”. Please also share which pronouns you would like us to use when corresponding with you (directly and within The 519) in your email or your cover letter.

Applicants are required to demonstrate in their resume that their qualifications match those specified in the job posting.

The 519 actively encourages applicants from all equity seeking groups. The 519 embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We thank all applicants. No agencies please.

Accommodation: The 519 is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code- protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request.