Program & Team Manager
Staff Leadership & Children’s Experience
COOKSMARTMississauga, Ontario
$22–$28 per hour, based on experiencePart-time, year-roundApproximately 15–30 hours per week, with increased hours during camps and busy programming periods
Help lead the people behind the program
COOKSMART’s programs are built around people: instructors who are prepared and supported, and children who feel welcomed, encouraged and excited to participate.
We’re looking for a Program & Team Manager who can help our staff do their best work while ensuring that every child has a safe, engaging and memorable experience.
This role is for someone who enjoys working with children, understands how to lead a team and can bring structure to a busy, seasonal business. You’ll coordinate staff, support instructors, help prepare programs, manage day-to-day logistics and help maintain the quality of the COOKSMART experience.
About COOKSMART
COOKSMART provides hands-on cooking, nutrition and food literacy programs for children and youth across the GTA.
Children cook, try new foods, ask questions, work together and build practical life skills in a welcoming environment. We believe children learn best when they are actively involved, encouraged to try new things and given the opportunity to build confidence through real experiences.
Our programming includes school programs, camps, workshops and special events throughout the year.
Many of our staff members return season after season, and some first discovered COOKSMART as campers themselves. We’re continuing to build a strong team around them, with clearer support, training and opportunities to grow.
The role
The Program & Team Manager will be a key point of support for COOKSMART’s instructors and assistants.
You’ll help staff understand what is expected, prepare for their programs and deliver activities confidently. You’ll also coordinate the practical details behind each booking, including staffing, schedules, supplies, locations and communication.
You’ll work closely with our founder while gradually taking greater ownership of staff coordination and program delivery.
We have established programs and a clear teaching philosophy. We’re looking for someone who can follow that foundation consistently while bringing good judgment, useful observations and ideas that help us improve.
This is a hands-on role. You’ll spend time supporting staff, working directly with children and helping programs run well.
What you’ll do
Lead and support the team
- Coordinate instructors and assistants for programs, camps, workshops and events
- Maintain the staff availability and scheduling calendar
- Confirm attendance and arrange coverage when needed
- Help onboard new team members and introduce them to COOKSMART’s programs and expectations
- Lead staff orientations, training sessions and pre-program meetings
- Be a reliable point of contact for staff before and during programs
- Observe instructors and provide encouraging, useful feedback
- Help returning staff develop into lead and supervisory roles
- Address attendance, communication and performance concerns professionally
- Help create a team culture that is dependable, respectful and positive
Support a strong children’s experience
- Teach COOKSMART programs when needed
- Help create an environment that is welcoming, active and well managed
- Support instructors with group management and age-appropriate activities
- Ensure staff follow COOKSMART lesson plans and teaching philosophy
- Monitor program quality and consistency across locations
- Help ensure children feel included, encouraged and engaged
- Ensure food safety, kitchen safety, allergy procedures and supervision standards are followed
- Help adapt activities for different ages, abilities and group needs
- Share feedback about children’s, families’ and schools’ experiences
Coordinate program details
- Prepare for school programs, camps, workshops and special events
- Ensure locations, kitchens, ingredients, equipment and teaching materials are ready
- Coordinate logistics for program locations within approximately a 30-kilometre radius of Mississauga
- Communicate schedules, expectations and important updates to staff
- Keep program information, checklists and planning documents organized
- Help solve staffing and program-day challenges calmly and practically
Help the team grow
- Identify staff members who may be ready for additional responsibility
- Help create meaningful leadership opportunities for returning instructors
- Share thoughtful ideas about training, communication and program delivery
- Help refine lessons, activities and teaching resources
- Help document effective processes as COOKSMART continues to grow
You may be a great fit if…
- Children respond well to you and you enjoy their energy, questions and creativity
- You know how to be warm and approachable while maintaining clear boundaries
- You enjoy helping other people feel prepared and confident
- You have led a group, team, camp, classroom, event or children’s program
- You are comfortable giving feedback and having direct conversations
- You can keep track of details without losing sight of the bigger picture
- You remain calm when a schedule changes or a problem needs to be solved quickly
- You are dependable and take commitments seriously
- You enjoy active, hands-on work
- You can bring energy to a room without making the experience feel chaotic
- You can follow an established approach while sharing thoughtful ideas
- You want to help build a positive team culture as COOKSMART grows
You do not need to be a professional chef or classroom teacher. You do need meaningful experience working with children and the confidence to help lead and support a team.
Experience and qualifications
Required:
- At least three years of experience working with children or youth
- Experience leading, supervising, training or coordinating staff, volunteers or program teams
- Experience with camps, recreation, children’s programming, education, events or similar work
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Clear, respectful and confident communication
- Ability to work independently and follow through
- Reliable transportation is required, as this role involves travelling to COOKSMART program locations within approximately a 30-kilometre radius of Mississauga, including Mississauga, Port Credit, Oakville and surrounding areas
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain it
- Successful Vulnerable Sector Check
- Food Handler Certification, or willingness to obtain it
- Ability to lift and transport program materials and supplies when required
Experience with cooking instruction, nutrition, food literacy, staff scheduling or performance feedback would be an asset.
Schedule and compensation
COOKSMART programs take place throughout the year and may include:
- School programs and workshops
- March Break camps
- Summer camps
- PA Day and holiday programs
- Birthday parties and special events
- Staff training and planning sessions
- Curriculum and program development
This is a part-time, year-round position with approximately 15–30 hours per week. Hours vary based on bookings, with increased hours during March Break, summer camps and other busy programming periods.
The successful candidate must be able to commit reliably to scheduled programs, planning responsibilities and key seasonal dates.
As COOKSMART grows, there may be opportunities for increased hours, responsibility and compensation.
Why join COOKSMART?
- Help children build confidence through cooking and hands-on learning
- Support instructors as they grow and develop
- Help shape a positive and dependable team culture
- Work in a creative, active and welcoming environment
- Be part of a growing local business with a clear purpose
- Have a meaningful influence on program quality and staff experience
- Develop leadership experience in children’s programming and operations
- Help create experiences that children remember
How to apply
Please submit your resume and a short cover letter or introduction.
In your application, please briefly answer:
- What experience do you have working with children or youth?
- Tell us about a time you led, supported or coordinated a team.
- What interests you about a role that combines working with children, supporting staff and helping programs run well?
Please also include your availability during the school year, March Break and summer.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked about how they would handle a common staffing or team-leadership challenge.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for children, families and staff. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives
Pay: $22.00-$28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
