Catering Guelph jobs in Ontario

Lead Cook / Kitchen Lead

Cox Creek Cellars | Guelph, ON

Join our team and take the lead in our growing wood-fired pizza food truck!

Cox Creek Cellars is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced and dependable Lead Cook / Kitchen Lead to oversee our wood-fired pizza kitchen/food truck and growing catering program.

Located on a beautiful 55-acre farm between Guelph and Fergus, Cox Creek Cellars is a family-owned winery and craft cidery offering guests a unique place to enjoy great food, drinks and experiences.

We are now well into our second year of our wood-fired pizza program, which has expanded to include catering for our in-house events, private gatherings and celebrations. We're looking for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced kitchen, takes pride in preparing quality food and is ready to take ownership of daily kitchen operations.

The successful candidate will lead our kitchen during regular service and private events, and ensure our food offerings are consistently prepared and presented to a high standard. You'll work with our established pizza menu while having opportunities to contribute ideas for seasonal specials and future menu offerings.

Wood-fired oven experience is an asset, but not essential. We're looking for someone with solid kitchen experience, strong organizational skills and the confidence to lead the kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and operate the kitchen/food truck during regular business hours and private events.
• Prepare and cook pizzas using our wood-fired oven.
• Maintain consistency, quality and presentation across our existing pizza menu.
• Prepare food for private events, including pizzas, appetizers, salads and desserts.
• Prepare and oversee curated charcuterie boards.
• Organize kitchen workflow, food preparation and service execution.
• Manage inventory, ingredient ordering and product freshness.
• Assist with food costing, portion control and minimizing food waste.
• Work with management on occasional seasonal specials and menu improvements.
• Maintain a very clean, organized and efficient kitchen.
• Ensure all food safety, sanitation and workplace standards are consistently followed.

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Cook, Lead Cook, Chef or in a similar kitchen role.
• Experience with pizza preparation is preferred; wood-fired oven experience is an asset.
• Strong understanding of food preparation, kitchen equipment and food safety regulations.
• Ability to stay organized and work efficiently during the variety of busy service periods and events.
• Knowledge of inventory management, ordering and food costing is an asset.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills mandatory.
• Dependable, self-motivated and comfortable taking initiative.
• A genuine passion for food and pride in delivering quality dishes.

What We Offer

• A full-time, permanent position in a unique winery and farm setting.
• An opportunity to take ownership of kitchen operations and lead a growing food program.
• A friendly, close-knit team environment.
• Additional tips from regular food service and private events.
• On-site parking.
• Employee discount.

Position Details

• Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Pay: $20.00–$22.00 per hour, based on experience.
• Expected Hours: 30–40 hours per week with additional hours available during peak season.
• Schedule: Service schedule is Thursday–Sunday. Catering and private party hours may vary.
• Availability: Evening shifts, particularly Fridays and Saturdays, as well as weekends.
• Location: Cox Creek Cellars, Guelph-Eramosa, Ontario.

Seasonality: Winter is typically a slower period for regular food service, but we continue to host holiday gatherings, private parties and special events throughout the season.

As we move into spring, our hours of operation expand and business picks up significantly, with increased food service, private events, weddings and group celebrations. We're looking for someone who is comfortable with this seasonal rhythm and enjoys the variety.

Transportation: Cox Creek Cellars is located between Guelph and Fergus. There is no public transportation available to our location. Reliable personal transportation is essential.

Interested in Joining Us?

If you're an experienced cook who enjoys taking the lead, working with a great team and being part of a growing hospitality business, we'd love to hear from you!

Join us at Cox Creek Cellars and help us continue building a great food experience for our guests!

Pay: $20.00-$22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Work Location: In person