Overview
Mountain Fire Foods is looking for an experienced, highly organized Head Catering Chef to lead the day-to-day operation of our busy catering kitchen.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership position for a confident chef who can manage a fast-paced production kitchen, lead a strong team, maintain consistently high standards, and keep multiple catering events moving smoothly from prep to service.
Our ideal candidate is calm under pressure, exceptionally organized and willing to lead from the front. You understand that running a successful catering kitchen requires more than great cooking—it takes thoughtful planning, clear communication, strong systems and the ability to adapt quickly when the unexpected happens.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee the daily operation of a high-volume catering and production kitchen
- Lead, supervise, train and support the kitchen team
- Plan and coordinate food production for weddings, retreats, corporate functions, private events and weekly meal-service commitments
- Review upcoming event menus, timelines, guest counts and dietary requirements
- Create daily and weekly prep lists, production schedules and staff assignments
- Ensure all food is prepared accurately, efficiently and to Mountain Fire Foods’ standards
- Manage multiple events and production deadlines simultaneously
- Coordinate ordering, receiving, inventory rotation and supplier relationships
- Monitor food costs, portion control, waste and overall kitchen efficiency
- Maintain excellent food-safety, sanitation and workplace-safety standards
- Ensure equipment, storage areas and workspaces are clean, organized and properly maintained
- Work closely with ownership, event leads and front-of-house teams to ensure smooth execution
- Assist with menu development, recipe standardization and production planning
- Participate directly in preparation, cooking, plating, packing and service when required
- Troubleshoot operational challenges and make sound decisions under pressure
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- Several years of professional culinary experience, including experience in a senior or supervisory role
- Strong catering, banquet, restaurant or high-volume production experience
- Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team
- Excellent organization, time-management and communication skills
- Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, ordering and waste control
- Experience accommodating allergies and dietary requirements safely and accurately
- Solid knowledge of food-safety regulations and professional kitchen standards
- Ability to read event sheets, plan production and manage overlapping deadlines
- Confidence working independently and taking ownership of kitchen operations
- A calm, practical and solutions-focused approach
- Ability to perform physically demanding kitchen work, including standing for extended periods and safely lifting up to 50 pounds
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays when events require it
- Valid food-safety certification or willingness to obtain one
- Red Seal certification is an asset but not required for the right candidate
- Valid driver’s licence is an asset
THE RIGHT FIT
You take pride in running a clean, efficient and well-organized kitchen. You communicate clearly, hold yourself and others accountable, and know how to maintain high standards without creating unnecessary drama.
You are equally comfortable building a production plan, coaching a team member, checking an order, jumping onto the line and solving a last-minute event challenge. You understand that in catering, timing and consistency matter just as much as creativity.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A key leadership role with an established Canmore catering and meal-service company
- Competitive compensation based on experience
- A creative, collaborative and locally focused kitchen environment
- Opportunities to contribute to menus, systems and the continued development of the business
- Consistent full-time employment
- Staff meals and additional benefits to be discussed
- The opportunity to live and work in the Bow Valley
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience with a performance driven management incentive bonus program paid out quarterly. Health, dental and extended medical benefits package.
START DATE - As soon as possible - ongoing until right candidate is hired.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your résumé and a short introduction outlining your relevant leadership and catering experience to [email protected]
We appreciate every application; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Mountain Fire Foods is committed to creating a respectful, professional and inclusive workplace.
We are not offering subsidized accommodation at this time.
Pay: From $62,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
Work Location: In person
