Culinary Operations Lead at Choices For Youth

Choices for Youth Inc. (CFY) is a professional service, youth-focused, non-profit, charitable organization that creates spaces and conversations, and operates programs and social enterprises to help vulnerable youth secure stable housing, employment, and education while improving health and family stability. With a focus on prevention, intervention, and support, we help youth and young families break cycles of poverty and homelessness and transition to healthy, stable, and independent lives.

Our Education, Employment, and Social Enterprise (EESE) team is seeking one(1) passionate and experienced Culinary Operations Lead, with Red Seal Certification, to lead the growth and scaling of our restaurant-based social enterprise operations. This role combines the leadership of food production, distribution and restaurant operations with the opportunity to train and empower vulnerable youth, creating supportive pathways to employment and independence. This is a full-time, contractual position until March 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Business Development and Operations Coordinator and the Manager of Education, Employment, and Social Enterprise, the Culinary Operations Lead will be responsible for overseeing day to day operations, driving growth in food production and restaurant operations initiatives, and ensuring that youth participants receive supportive training and mentorship in a professional, inclusive environment.

This role goes beyond food production- it’s about supporting youth as they grow. You’ll have the opportunity to train and mentor youth in the kitchen, helping them develop new skills, build confidence, and take pride in what they create. Your leadership will help foster a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone can learn and grow.

WHY JOIN US?

This is an opportunity to combine your passion for food production with meaningful social impact. As a leader in CFY’s social enterprise work, you will play a pivotal role in building sustainable operations while supporting young people in developing the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the scaling and growth of CFY’s food production business and restaurant operations

• Update menus, select ingredients, and coordinate product development to meet customer demand and CFY goals to reflect product availability and seasonal changes

• Manage vendor relationships, inventory, ordering, and cost control

• Build and maintain client and customer relationships, ensuring a positive dining and service experience

• Work closely with the Business Development and Operations Coordinator to develop and implement restaurant promotions and features

• Collaborate with the Training Facilitator to design and deliver the ‘Yes Chef!’ pre-employment training program, helping youth build skills and confidence to succeed at Crust or pursue other opportunities in the culinary field

• Assist in budget creation and financial oversight of food-based enterprises and internal production

• Participate in hiring, staff appraisals, and performance assessments

• Create staff and Trainee schedules in collaboration with ESW to ensure adequate coverage for production and training needs

• Attend departmental leadership meetings and provide updates on operations

• Lead the daily production of pizza and bakery items, maintaining high standards of quality and consistency

• Ensure compliance with food safety and workplace safety requirements

• Work closely with finance department to track costs

• Support and supervise trainees and supervisors, providing coaching, guidance, and encouragement as they develop their skills and grow confidence

• Work closely with youth to mentor and guide them, supporting their learning, growth, and progress toward employment goals, while collaborating with Supervisors and Employment Support Workers (ESWs) to set monthly goals and create supportive training plans

• Foster a work environment that reflects the values of CFY, prioritizing inclusion, respect, and youth empowerment

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline (Asset)

• Red Seal Certification required

• Proven experience in food production, customer service, mentorship, food enterprise leadership

• Strong knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements

• Background in menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and cost control

• Demonstrated ability to scale and grow food-related business operations is an asset

• Experience supporting youth or people from diverse backgrounds- especially those who face barriers to employment- is considered an asset

• Demonstrates a strengths-based, solution-focused approach that encourages growth, confidence, and collaboration

• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills

• Ability to balance business growth with youth training and mentorship is an asset

• Food Safety and Sanitation certifications (e.g., Food Safety Level II, ServSafe, or provincial equivalent)

• Additional training in leadership, management, or social enterprise development

• Use of own vehicle and a valid driver’s license

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Check

WORK HOURS

The hours would require shift work based on restaurant hours of operation, (including possible Saturdays, and evenings to 8:00 pm). These hours are subject to change based on restaurant operations.

COMPENSATION

The salary for this position is $50,958.18 - $56,620.20 annually. Choices for Youth offers a competitive compensation package, including a health and dental program and paid time off to qualifying employees.

WHY JOIN US?

This is an opportunity to combine your passion for food production with meaningful social impact. As a leader in CFY’s social enterprise work, you will play a pivotal role in building sustainable operations while supporting young people in developing the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Reference ID: COL-1125

Deadline to Apply: November 7, 2025

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your cover letter and resume explaining how you meet the criteria and using the reference ID, COL-1125, in the subject line. Choices for Youth appreciates all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Email:

Recruitment Lead,

[email protected]

Sarah Crowe – Business Development and Operations Coordinator

[email protected]

Choices for Youth (CFY) strives towards a culture of inclusion and empowerment, one where there’s a sense of belonging and safety while prioritizing diversity across the organization, including in its Board of Directors composition, employment practices, staff, policies, programming, and services. CFY values lived and living experience and invites everyone interested to apply for available opportunities. CFY actively seeks applications from Indigenous Peoples; members of Black, racialized, and other equity-seeking and/or religious, cultural, and other communities; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; people with disabilities; and people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. Should you require support or accommodation(s) to better enable your ability to participate in the employment or recruitment process, please let us know at any point. This information will be kept confidential.

To view all current job postings, please visit http://www.choicesforyouth.ca/join-cfy.