Production Assistant (Grill Cook)
Toronto, ON, Canada
For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world. For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan.
TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada, In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.
About University Business Services
University Business Services (UBS) is a division of the Office of the Vice President Operations and Administration and provides a number of different services to students, staff, faculty and guests of the University. Their mission is to provide and promote revenue generating services which support the academic mission of the University in a way that remains flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the University. UBS comprises several business units including Campus Store, Duplicating and Printing Services, Parking Services, OneCard Office, Food Services, Events and Space Reservation Services, and the Urban Farm.
The Cook is responsible for the preparation of ingredients for menu items as set by the chef for the retail kitchen, catering or the student residence. Additional responsibilities will include:
- Safe operation of standard kitchen equipment.
- Maintaining clean and organized work stations.
- Following all food handling standards to maximize food safety.
- Working collaboratively with team members.
Responsibilities
- Taking and preparing food orders where applicable, produces menu items for retail, residence and catering menus/events, adhering to food preparation standards.
- Assisting in food preparation and keeps assigned work areas clean and tidy
- Supporting the university’s mandate on local sourcing and sustainability
There are eleven (11) Cook positions available.
Qualifications
- Successful completion of a secondary school diploma
- At least six (6) months of related experience in food production in a catering and/or retail food production organization, including producing food items from scratch.
- Food Services Industry Toronto Public Health Food Handlers certification and Smart Serve Ontario certification are an asset.
- Previous experience preparing a variety of food items for retail menus or catering events adhering to food preparation standards (e.g. sandwiches, bagels, hot entrée items, grill items,, salads, vegetables and garnishes, baked goods, desserts, and special function plates and platters)
- Experience performing kitchen/cafeteria maintenance duties (e.g.; stocking food service areas, operating kitchen equipment, cleaning work areas etc.) and familiarity with various kitchen equipment and operations.
- Experience working with standardized recipes and basic math skills.
- Good communications skills are required to effectively interact with students and customers in a professional manner.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and large volume environment independently and as an effective team player is required.
- Excellent interpersonal and client service skills, including tact and diplomacy, to ensure efficient and effective support for members of the university community.
- The incumbent must be comfortable being exposed to undesirable and disagreeable conditions when working in a kitchen environment, with heat, fumes, odours, and noise, and the potential for minor cuts and burns if safety procedures are not followed.
Please note: there is a moderate level of physical effort required to perform the responsibilities of the role; this involves carrying or moving weights (inventory and equipment) between and including 30 (lbs) for short periods of time.
| Position Number(s) | 11 |
| Reports To | Senior Manager of Food Services |
| Department | University Business Services |
| Employee Group | OPSEU |
| Vacancy Type | Term - this is a current vacancy |
| Work Location | On site |
| Start Date | August 2026 |
| End Date | April 2027 |
| Hours of Work | 36.25 |
| Grade | 2 |
| Salary Scale | $39,789.57 - $43,479.16 |
| Hiring Salary Range | $39,789.57 - $46,127.06 |
| TA Specialist | Laurie Shemavonian |
| Posting Date | May 13, 2026 |
| Application Close Date | May 22, 2026 |
- Qualified OPSEU candidates will be considered before members of other employee groups.
- Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
- Applicants who do not meet all of the posted qualifications may, upon the University’s sole discretion, be considered to fill a vacancy on an underfill basis.
- As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
- Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
- We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
