Company Mission

Muskoka Woods is a Christian youth development organization that welcomes everyone to an experience for a lifetime. We are located on the shores of beautiful Lake Rosseau and specialize in summer camp, school trips, group retreats and leadership development for all ages. We exist to inspire youth to shape their world.

Job Purpose

To provide quality food service to staff and guests through: overseeing the day-to-day cooking operations while complying with all Health and Safety standards, proper food-handling techniques and Muskoka Woods standards. This position specializes in providing leadership and direction in regards to food related allergies, dietary restrictions and/or modifications required to ensure quality food service to all guests and staff. Working closely with the Head Chef and culinary team, the Sous Chef – Special Diets ensures that modified meals maintain the same quality, creativity, presentation, and overall guest experience as the main menu while adhering to the highest standards of food safety, allergen management, and Muskoka Woods standards.

Key Job Functions

Special Diets Menu Planning and Execution

- Partner with the Head Chef to develop special diets menus that closely reflect the main dining menu while providing safe and appealing alternatives for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Review daily special diets requirements for guests and staff and plan production accordingly.
- Prepare and execute high-quality special diets meals that are fresh, flavourful, creative, and consistent with Muskoka Woods culinary standards.
- Ensure all meals are prepared according to documented allergy, dietary, and ingredient requirements using proper allergen-control practices.
- Create and maintain ingredient lists, recipes, preparation instructions, and visual references for special diets menu items.
- Develop clear preparation guides and handoff instructions for culinary team members to ensure consistency when the Special Diets Sous Chef is not on shift.
- Communicate directly with guests regarding plated meals, cooler meals, dietary questions, and special requests to ensure confidence and satisfaction.
- Conduct quality checks of all special diet meals, including buffet offerings and salad bars, before and during meal service.
- Research, test, and recommend new products, recipes, and culinary techniques to enhance the special diets program.




- Use creativity and resourcefulness to maximize inventory and incorporate leftover ingredients into safe and appealing menu options.

Kitchen Operations, food safety and organization

- Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient special diets preparation area, including pantry, refrigerators, freezers, prep spaces, equipment, and storage areas.
- Ensure all special diets food storage areas are properly labelled, organized, and maintained to prevent cross-contamination.
- Monitor and maintain special diets fridge temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and required food safety documentation.
- Receive and inspect deliveries, verifying product quality, freshness, quantities, and invoices.
- Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety requirements, food handling standards, and allergen management procedures.
- Promote a culture of food safety, accountability, and excellence throughout the culinary team.

Leadership, Training and Team Support

- Provide daily leadership and direction to cooks and food preparation staff as required.
- Assign daily production tasks using production sheets and lead pre-shift meetings to ensure team alignment.
- Coach and support team members in proper special diets preparation techniques and allergen awareness.
- Train seasonal and full-time culinary staff on special diets procedures, food safety practices, and guest service expectations.
- Work collaboratively with the culinary team to ensure smooth meal service and a positive guest experience.
- Support quality control across all dining operations through regular visual inspections and follow-up with team members.
- Track and communicate food waste, production overages, shortages, and inventory concerns to the Head Chef.

Communication & Organizational Contribution

- Model the mission, vision, values, and leadership expectations of Muskoka Woods in all interactions.
- Build positive relationships with guests and staff by providing knowledgeable, welcoming, and responsive support regarding dietary needs.
- Contribute positively to the overall Kitchen Team by sharing ideas, supporting recent iniatives, and fostering collaboration across departments.




- Participate in weekly L10 meetings and other leadership meetings as required.
- Attend corporate events including Town Halls, leadership gatherings, the Arboretum, and the annual Full-Time Staff Retreat.
- Pursue ongoing personal, spiritual, and professional development to enhance leadership effectiveness and recruitment expertise.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Head Chef.

Skills and Attributes Required:

- A passion for providing fresh and flavourful meals for special diet and dietary needs
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with guests, staff, and culinary team members.
- Ability to lead, coach, and support a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
- A positive attitude, be a team player, and enjoy working with young people.
- Takes initiative to lead and problem solve
- Solid people and time management skills
- Ability to manage systems to keep track of details and be attentive to all changes.
- A passion for hospitality and creating inclusive dining experiences for all guests.
- Food Handler Certification required (or willingness to obtain).
- Personal values that match Muskoka Woods’ Core Values and Core Leaves

Experience Required:

- College/university degree or equivalent in experience
- 2 to 5 years of cooking/kitchen experience
- 1 to 2 years of leadership experience
- Knowledge of production style cooking
- Knowledge and experience in preparing allergen friendly foods including the top 9 most common food allergens including specifically gluten free, vegan and dairy free requirements.

Essential Functions:

- Ability to lift and move up to 50lbs
- Able to stand, walk and work for 6 to 8 hours
- Possess physical and mental strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision of staff
- Ability to communicate, both written and verbal, with guests and staff.

Salary Range

$47,500 – $52,500/year

- Please note: Muskoka Woods is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity, and are provided with equal opportunity for success. MW encourages all qualified candidates to apply. If you require accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please inform us by calling (phone hidden) or by email at [email protected]. All inquiries will be handled with strict confidence.

Apply to this job by submitting your cover letter and resume to [email protected] or by clicking on the button

📌 Sous Chef – Special Diets (Rosseau)
🏢 Muskoka Woods
📍 Rosseau