Sous Chef/ Kitchen Leader – Hot Pork
Location: 932 Dundas St. W., Toronto
Position: Full-Time Sous Chef
Compensation: $21-24/hour based on experience + tips + staff meals + growth opportunities
Hot Pork is a chef-driven deli and breakfast spot in Toronto's west end, known for house-smoked meats, scratch cooking, and a commitment to serving creative, high-quality products. Founded by Chef Michael Synowicki, Hot Pork combines classic barbecue techniques with a creative, independent spirit and has quickly built a loyal following for its smoked brisket, pork belly, sandwiches, and breakfast offerings.
We're looking for an experienced Sous Chef who wants to be more than just another cook on the line.
This role is for someone who can help lead a small team, maintain standards, support day-to-day operations, and take ownership alongside the Chef/Owner. The right candidate is mature, dependable, organized, and excited by the opportunity to help build and strengthen a growing independent business.
What You'll Do
Culinary Leadership
- Lead service and support kitchen operations during busy periods
- Maintain consistency, quality, and presentation standards
- Assist with prep planning, production schedules, and inventory management
- Support menu development and seasonal features
- Uphold food safety, sanitation, and health standards
Team Leadership
- Train, mentor, and support cooks and kitchen staff
- Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable kitchen culture
- Help manage daily workflow and service execution
- Lead by example through professionalism, communication, and work ethic
Operations & Management
- Assist with ordering, inventory control, and waste reduction
- Support scheduling and labour management
- Help identify operational improvements and efficiencies
- Work closely with ownership on maintaining standards and achieving business goals
Who You Are
- Formal culinary training, apprenticeship experience, or equivalent professional kitchen experience demonstrating progressive growth in responsibility and expertise
- 5+ years of experience working in professional kitchens, including at least 2 years in a supervisory, lead cook, kitchen management, or leadership capacity
- Strong line cooking, prep, and production skills
- Experience with butchery, smoked meats, barbecue, brunch, or high-volume service is an asset
- Demonstrated history of reliability, professionalism, and commitment in previous roles
- Calm under pressure and highly organized
- Reliable and accountable
- Comfortable leading a team while remaining hands-on
- Interested in contributing to the growth of an independent restaurant
- Looking for a long-term opportunity rather than a temporary stop
Why Hot Pork?
We're a small independent business where your contributions matter. This is an opportunity to work directly with ownership, help shape the future of the kitchen, and be part of a restaurant that values craftsmanship, creativity, and genuine hospitality.
Before applying, we encourage candidates to learn more about who we are:
- Instagram: @hotpork.to
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hotpork.to
- Toronto Life feature: https://torontolife.com/food/whats-on-the-menu-at-hot-pork-deli-sandwich-counter/
Application Requirements
To be considered, applicants must submit both a resume and a cover letter.
In your cover letter, please answer the following:
- Why are you interested in Hot Pork specifically?
- What attracts you to working in an independent, chef-driven restaurant rather than a larger hospitality group?
- Tell us about a time you helped improve a kitchen, solve an operational problem, or positively influence a team culture.
- What does being a great Sous Chef mean to you?
Applications that do not include a cover letter addressing these questions will not be considered for this role.
We're looking to fill this position immediately and will be interviewing qualified candidates on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
We are looking for someone who is excited to contribute, grow with the business, and help build the next chapter of Hot Pork.
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Pay: From $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
