Denninger's Foods of the World Careers Page
Bistro Department Head (full-time)
Description
R. Denninger Limited is one of the finest food companies in the world. For more than 60 years, quality has been the founding criteria of our company. Denninger’s has five retail locations, a manufacturing plant and a warehouse all located throughout Southern Ontario. Denninger’s associates are hand picked to provide the best service in the industry. If you have a passion for customer service and thrive in a team environment, Denninger’s is the place for you!
What We Offer
- A rewarding and fun work atmosphere
- Participation in Department Head Bonus Program
- Employee Recognition Program
- 20% Staff discount across all locations
- 50% Staff discount at our Bistro/ Bitehaus
- Perks Program (Monthly Super Staff Discounts, Goodlife Discount, Perkopolis and more)
- Health, vision and dental benefits six month after hire
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to 24/7 virtual health care
- Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP)
Vacancy Status: Open (Current)
Reports to: Store Manager
Summary: The Bistro Department Head is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing daily operations, food quality, and associate development to ensure a high-quality, customer-focused experience.
Responsibilities
- Actively support the department during peak periods, including food production, cash handling, and customer service.
- Oversee daily readiness, including equipment checks, staffing levels, cleanliness, and secure cash handling procedures.
- Ensure all menu items are executed accurately and consistently according to recipe and portion control standards.
- Lead, train, and onboard new staff members on Bistro standards, food safety, and customer interaction.
- Provide ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and identify skill gaps within the team.
- Create and manage staff schedules to meet service demands and labor targets while managing call-ins and productivity.
- Maintain full compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation procedures, and allergen awareness.
- Maintain accurate par levels, place orders on schedule, and verify deliveries for quality and accuracy.
- Drive profitability by minimizing shrink through proper forecasting and FIFO (First-In, First-Out) rotation.
- Work with other departments to coordinate product flow and manage shelf life.
- All other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a front-of-house leadership role within the restaurant and / or food service industry.
- Foundational cooking skills, with the ability to confidently operate commercial kitchen equipment, including but not limited to ovens, grills, fryers, and food preparation tools.
- Must be at least 18 years of age and legally able to serve and sell alcohol.
- Demonstrated hands-on leadership style with the ability to lead in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional customer service skills with a strong focus on delivering an outstanding guest experience.
- A demonstrated self-starter with strong problem solving skills.
- Ontario Food Handlers & Smart Serve certification is required.
Essential Functions
- Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
- Bend and stoop to grasp objects and climb ladders. Bend and twist neck and waist, reach above and below shoulders and squat.
- Ability to lift up to 50lbs independently.
- Push / pull up to 100lbs independently.
- Repetitive use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation.
- Environmental exposure to extreme temperatures (coolers, freezers, outdoors, etc.)
We thank all applicants, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.
R. Denninger Limited is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity and dignity in the workplace. If you are contacted by R. Denninger Limited regarding a job opportunity, please advise prior to the interview if you require accommodation and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.
AI Disclosure: R. Denninger Limited utilizes AI in the preliminary screening of all applicants to determine their base eligibility. All further review is completed by a member of the Human Resource team.
Compensation
$20.00 - $25.00 per hour