Senior Cook (Commercial Kitchen/Banquet)

Senior Cook (Commercial Kitchen/Banquet)

Location: Saunders Farm (On-site, reliable transportation required)
Employment Type: Seasonal Contract (hours of work will vary based on operational needs: full time during festivals and events, part time between festivals)

Contract Dates: May 1, 2026-January 5, 2027, with possibility of extension.
Rate: $28/hour (based on experience)

Join our team at Saunders Farm! We cultivate amazing fun, food, and memories and we’re bringing our vision of becoming the most amazing family farm in the world to life. 

As a working farm, we are deeply committed to fresh, delicious food that is thoughtfully prepared and rooted in what we grow and produce. We strive to incorporate our farm products into our menu wherever possible, creating food that feels authentic, comforting, and connected to the land. As Anne “Nana” Saunders often said while feeding the farm crew each day, “Food = Love,” and we are committed to making sure our guests feel that when they eat here at Saunders Farm. 

Behind every unforgettable event is an exceptional culinary experience. From weddings to large-scale festivals, our kitchen team delivers high-quality food at scale, without compromising creativity or consistency. We’re looking for a Senior Cook who brings both strong execution skills and leadership presence to help elevate our food operations.

The Senior Cook plays a key role in both executing good production for high-volume concession event service and banquets.  This position supports kitchen leadership by ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency across all food preparation and service.

In addition to hands-on cooking, this role contributes to production planning, team coordination, and maintaining kitchen standards in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced cook who is ready to take on greater responsibility, support team development, and contribute to a high-performing culinary operation.

You are highly skilled in culinary execution and take pride in quality and consistency.
You are confident working in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments.
You demonstrate leadership through communication, accountability, and teamwork.
You are organized and able to manage multiple priorities during service.
You are proactive and solutions-oriented when challenges arise.
You value cleanliness, food safety, and efficient systems.
You bring a positive, professional attitude and support those around you. 

You are passionate about food and creating memorable guest experiences.

• Prepare and execute menu items according to recipes, production schedules, and standards

• Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation across all dishes

• Support large-scale food production while maintaining efficiency and accuracy

• Monitor cooking times, temperatures, and output to ensure timely service

• Assist in coordinating production flow during high-volume service

• Execute food preparation for weddings, catered events, and on-site functions

• Support simultaneous service for large groups while maintaining quality standards

• Assist with kitchen setup and breakdown for events

• Ensure food is properly cooked, packaged, and delivered for service

• Provide guidance and support to line cooks and kitchen staff during service

• Help maintain a positive, efficient, and collaborative kitchen environment

• Support training and onboarding of new kitchen team members

• Communicate effectively with chefs, supervisors, and cross-functional teams

• Support recipe consistency and contribute ideas for menu improvements

• Assist in refining production processes to improve efficiency and quality

• Execute dishes with attention to presentation and flavour

• Assist with inventory tracking and ordering to maintain stock levels

• Support organization of kitchen systems and workflows

• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment including grills, fryers, and ovens

• Ensure all food safety and sanitation standards are consistently followed

• Maintain proper food storage, handling, and labelling practices

• Ensure a clean and organized kitchen environment at all times

• Maintain a professional and positive demeanor during all shifts

• Collaborate with other departments to support overall event success

• Perform other duties as required based on operational needs

• 3+ years of experience in a high-volume kitchen, banquet facility, or large-scale production environment

• Culinary diploma or equivalent hands-on experience considered an asset

• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques including sautéing, grilling, and frying

• Experience supporting or leading kitchen staff in a fast-paced environment

• Solid understanding of food safety regulations and best practices

• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining attention to detail

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules

• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs

• Comfort working in an outdoor and fast-paced environment

• Strong leadership and team support skills

• Models calm, solutions-focused leadership during high-pressure situations

• Excellent time management and organizational abilities

• Ability to multitask and prioritize in high-volume settings

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality

• Adaptable and solutions-focused mindset

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Passion for culinary excellence and guest experience

*Saunders Farm is committed to accommodating people with disabilities as part of our hiring process. If you have special requirements, please advise during the recruitment process.
*Please note that Saunders Farm is located in a rural area and is not on a public transit route. Candidates must have access to reliable personal transportation to and from the site.