We are a leading catering company based in Ottawa, partnered with a portfolio of prestigious clients across high-profile locations including national museums, high-profile venues, and corporate head offices. We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Food Service Director to manage key client relationships and food service operations with our key clients.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, client satisfaction, and sustainable business growth at key accounts and/or across multiple outlets and operations. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in food service operations, account management, and team leadership, with the ability to operate at both a strategic and operational level.
Bytown Catering is the Ottawa-Gatineau Region’s #1 Choice for catering services. We are a growing locally-owned and operated business providing a range of food services across Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais region that include catering, outlets, restaurants, banquet hall rentals, BeaverTails Mobile franchise and wholesale production. Through all our growth, we remain true to our philosophy of excellence, continuous improvement, and respect for ecological, social and environmental ethics. Come grow your career with us!
Responsibilities and Job Duties
Client Account Management:
- Serve as the primary contact for assigned client accounts, ensuring consistent communication and service alignment.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their evolving goals and ensuring alignment with service delivery.
- Respond to client feedback and requests in a timely and professional manner.
- Participate in regular site reviews and deliver client reporting and performance updates in accordance with contractual requirements.
Outlet and Catering Operations Management:
- Directly manage one or more food service locations, ensuring smooth daily operations and high-quality customer experiences
- Manage catering sales and services at one or more locations associated with overall comprehensive food services operations for assigned client accounts
- Ensure high standards of service, cleanliness, food quality, and presentation
- Oversee scheduling, staff deployment, and labor management at assigned locations. Provide hands-on support (front of the house or back of the house) when required to ensure an efficient operation.
- Support opening and closing procedures, inventory control, vendor coordination, and operational compliance
- Monitor sales, expenses, and operational performance, reporting to senior leadership
Team Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of outlet managers and staff, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and innovation.
- Partner with HR to ensure effective recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of site-level staff.
- Supervise and support site leads, supervisors, and front-line staff.
- Assist in staff training, onboarding, and performance management.
- Promote a positive team culture centered on hospitality, accountability, and guest satisfaction.
Menu & Service Support:
- Collaborate with culinary teams to roll out menu updates and seasonal offerings.
- Ensure product consistency, presentation standards, and timely service across all locations.
- Gather feedback from guests and staff to support continuous improvement.
Marketing & Engagement:
- Help implement site-level promotions, signage, and marketing initiatives.
- Support special events and seasonal campaigns in partnership with the Executive and Sales teams.
- Compliance & Standards
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and company policies
- Maintain adherence to alcohol service regulations where applicable
- Ensure all staff maintain required certifications (e.g., Food Handler, Smart Serve)
- Support inspections, audits, and health & safety protocols
Administrative & Reporting Duties:
- Oversee the financial performance of each outlet, ensuring targets are met for revenue, food/labor costs, and profitability.
- Maintain accurate records of schedules, incidents, inventory, and operational logs.
- Identify operational efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
- Prepare financial and operational reports
Cross-Site Operational Support:
- Provide support to other Food Services Directors to help manage workload issues, staffing challenges, or business demands
- Step in to support service delivery, staffing, and operational tasks at other locations as required
- Share best practices, resources, and operational insights to support continuous improvement across the broader company portfolio of locations
- Provide operational support and temporary coverage for other sites during planned or unplanned absences
Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in food service, hospitality, or contract catering environments.
- Proven success in managing high-value client relationships at a senior management or executive level.
- Strong business acumen with a track record of delivering operational excellence and financial performance.
- Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire cross-functional teams.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to juggle priorities across multiple sites.
- Knowledge of tourist, government or institutional food service operations is a strong asset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Point of Sale Systems, other business systems, and an ability to learn new business applications
- Bilingualism (English/French) is mandatory
- Experience in event catering sales and event coordination is considered a significant advantage
- Valid Driver’s License is required
- Ability to obtain a Government of Canada Security Clearance is required
This role is for an additional headcount and not backfill.
Bytown Catering welcomes candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic. If you’re a team player with great people skills and a passion for hospitality, apply today!
Pay: $55,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Language:
Work Location: In person
