Sous Chef

Department: Ridgetown - Student Experience and Hospitality Services
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

The University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus is seeking a passionate and skilled Sous Chef to help lead a dynamic and growing hospitality operation that includes residence dining, the student centre, and catering for both campus and external events.Grounded in sustainability, local sourcing, and socially responsible practices, our Hospitality Services team is committed to delivering high-quality, memorable food experiences for students, staff, and the broader community.Reporting to the Associate Director, Student & Hospitality Experience, the Sous Chef plays a key leadership role in the day-to-day culinary operation, with significant responsibility for staff supervision, operational decision-making, and service delivery across multiple areas. This position supports menu development, oversees food production across multiple service areas, and contributes to a culture of quality, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and lead daily kitchen operations across residence dining, the student centre, and catering services;
• Operate within a collaborative leadership model, where two Sous Chefs jointly oversee culinary operations across all service areas;;
• Assist in planning and executing menus, including special events and VIP functions;
• Supervise, train, and mentor culinary and service staff;
• Provide day-to-day leadership in a unionized environment, including staff oversight, scheduling, and consistent application of the collective agreement while fostering a respectful and collaborative team culture;
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and compliance with all health and safety standards;
• Manage inventory, purchasing, and cost control practices;
• Support revenue growth by developing menus, enhancing catering and event offerings, and identifying new opportunities to expand services;
• Contribute to product development, innovation, and continuous improvement of services;
• Support equipment selection and maintain operational efficiency in the kitchen.

Requirements

• Two-year Community College diploma in a culinary or related field (e.g., Chef Training, Culinary Management), or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Minimum three years of progressive culinary experience, including supervisory responsibilities;
• Canadian Red Seal (Cook) or Certified Chef de Cuisine designation is considered an asset;
• Strong leadership and team development skills;
• Creativity and a passion for food, presentation, and innovation;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Solid organizational skills and experience with inventory and cost control;
• Working knowledge of current culinary trends and a commitment to ongoing professional development;
• Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment is preferred.

Why This Role

• Lead across a diverse culinary operation (residence dining, student centre, and catering);
• Have real influence on menus, events, and student experience;
• Work in a close-knit campus environment where your impact is visible;
• Be part of a team that values innovation, sustainability, and quality.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10911456 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 03    
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:  04/07/2026  
Closing Date:  04/21/2026