Head Chef
Gather Catering is a made-from-scratch boutique catering company that delivers exceptional food and service for events throughout Calgary. We cater a wide variety of functions, including corporate breakfasts and lunches, cocktail receptions, weddings, private dinners, birthday celebrations, baby showers, celebrations of life, and other special events.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead our culinary team in conjunction with our Executive Chef. This role combines culinary creativity with operational excellence, ensuring every event is executed to the highest standard while maintaining a positive and professional kitchen culture.
Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership & Event Execution
- Plan, organize, and direct all kitchen operations to ensure efficient production and exceptional food quality.
- Review event requirements and production schedules daily.
- Lead and execute both on-site and off-site catering events in a variety of venues and client homes.
- Establish daily production priorities and ensure all events are prepared and executed on time.
- Supervise, train, mentor, and support kitchen and event chefs while maintaining high culinary standards.
- Prepare and cook food on a regular basis, leading by example and supporting the team as needed.
- Ensure consistency in recipe execution, presentation, portioning, and quality across all events.
Menu Development & Food Quality
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal offerings, and culinary innovation.
- Maintain accurate recipes, production guides, and food costing information.
- Stay current with culinary trends, techniques, and ingredients, bringing forward new ideas and inspiration.
- Continually seek opportunities to elevate the food and overall guest experience through thoughtful menu design and presentation.
Operations & Inventory Management
- Plan and manage ordering of food, equipment, and kitchen supplies.
- Monitor and maintain inventory levels to ensure readiness for all scheduled events.
- Track and manage food costs, labour costs, consumption, sales, and inventory records.
- Estimate staffing requirements and coordinate kitchen scheduling.
- Ensure equipment is maintained, cleaned, and operating properly, arranging repairs when required.
Team Development & Culture
- Participate in the hiring, onboarding, training, and development of kitchen staff.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
- Provide clear direction, coaching, and performance feedback to team members.
- Maintain records related to staff attendance, scheduling, and performance as required.
Client & Vendor Relations
- Maintain strong working relationships with clients, vendors, farmers, suppliers, and team members.
- Represent Gather Catering professionally at all events and interactions.
- Protect and enhance the Gather Catering brand through exceptional food, service, and professionalism.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
- Conduct regular kitchen walkthroughs and address deficiencies promptly.
- Maintain proper food handling, preparation, storage, and transportation procedures.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of culinary experience, including experience in a leadership role such as Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Chef de Partie.
- Previous catering experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, inventory control, and food costing.
- Experience managing culinary operations in both commercial kitchen environments and off-site event settings.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a team.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Up-to-date knowledge of culinary trends, techniques, and ingredients.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace.
- Valid driver's license and clean driving abstract.
- Ability to lift 25-50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
- Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Legally eligible to work in Canada.
Pay will be based on experience. Only prospective candidates will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $60,000.00-$70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Calgary, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Event: 2 years (preferred)
- Culinary: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
