First Cook - Permanent Full-Time Days at Halifax Campus

About Northwood

Northwood is Atlantic Canada's largest not-for-profit continuing care organization dedicated to community, innovation, and meaningful connections. We are a team of compassionate professionals who value diversity, inclusion, and continuous growth. We provide an equitable hiring process and support accommodations for candidates as needed.

Position Summary

We invite applications for the role of First Cook to join our team. This permanent, full-time position involves preparing quality meals for residents and clients, adhering strictly to food safety and public health standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve high-quality food products for residents, internal and external clients, including special events and ancillary meals.
• Contribute to menu planning and recipe development.
• Use standard recipes and house menus consistently.
• Apply HACCP principles and sanitation SOPs from preparation through service to ensure food safety and nutrition.
• Prepare modified textured meals following dietician and supervisor dietary instructions.
• Manage stock control, proper packaging, and rotation of food items.
• Ensure all food supplies are safely stored and prepared following HACCP guidelines.
• Maintain personal hygiene and workplace cleanliness standards.
• Communicate and respond appropriately to food service requests from residents, clients, and facility areas.
• Operate, clean, and maintain equipment safely and efficiently using WHMIS guidelines.
• Conduct taste, texture, and temperature checks on all food before service, taking corrective actions as necessary to ensure quality.
• Perform physical inventory and order supplies as needed.
• Safely store and manage chemicals, materials, foods, and equipment to meet operational requirements.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of Red Seal Journeyman’s Certificate.
• Basic Food Safety Certificate mandatory; Advanced Food Safety Certification is an asset.
• Three to five years of relevant food service experience, including recipe development and baking skills.
• Experience in bulk cooking, preferably in decentralized food operations, is considered a plus.
• Previous management roles in the food service industry are advantageous.
• Knowledge of emergency protocols, risk management, crisis intervention, and production systems such as Cook/Chill/Freeze/reheat/serve.
• Capability to lift up to 50 lbs and maintain good health to manage job demands.
• Strong skills in communication, organization, problem-solving, active listening, time management, judgement, decision making, and operational monitoring.
• Commitment to regular and consistent attendance per Northwood standards.

Additional Information

• Work hours total 80 hours bi-weekly, organized in 8-hour shifts.
• Compensation follows the Northwood salary scale.
• Immediate start available.
• Northwood is an inclusive employer welcoming diverse candidates; only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.