Step into a foundational leadership role where you will be helping to
launch and build the food services program from the ground up at the new Thunder Bay Regional Correctional Centre. As the Food Services Manager, you will be a core member of the
operational launch team, dedicating the initial 12–18 months to planning, designing, and implementing food service operations across a new, multi-site, campus-style model. During this phase, your work will be heavily focused on establishing systems, processes, staffing models, and standards—well before transitioning into steady-state kitchen management.
In this unique start-up environment, you will lead the development and operationalization of multiple institutional kitchens located throughout the city, ensuring alignment, consistency, and efficiency across sites. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building structure from the ground up, and excels at cross-functional collaboration. You will work closely with internal partners to create scalable, compliant, and sustainable food service operations that can support a complex, high-volume correctional setting.
As operations stabilize, you will transition into overseeing ongoing food service delivery, applying the strong foundations you've built to drive consistency, quality, and accountability across all locations. Your attention to detail and commitment to high standards will be critical in maintaining a safe, well-run environment where food handling, cleanliness, equipment readiness, and compliance are consistently upheld. By fostering a culture of professionalism and operational excellence from day one, you will play a key role in shaping a modern, efficient, and responsive food services program.
Leadership That Makes a Difference
At its core, leadership in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) is about creating positive change for people and communities across Ontario. We're looking for leaders who are authentic, accountable, and courageous. People who bring others together, ask bold questions, and lead with purpose.
We believe great leadership starts with high standards and strong support. In the OPS, that means showing up with authenticity, acting with integrity, and having the courage to do what's right, even when it's hard.
As a leader, you'll shape a team culture that sparks innovation, supports collaboration, and champions inclusion. You'll help build a workplace that is diverse, anti-racist, and accessible, where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to thrive.
You won't be doing it alone. We invest in our leaders through mentorship, learning opportunities, and cross-ministry networks that help you grow your impact and connect with peers across the organization.
Leadership is about impact, and in this role, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful one. You will:
- Lead daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient preparation and timely delivery of meals within a large, high-volume institutional setting.
- Establish and implement clear processes that support consistent food preparation, portioning, and safe, organized kitchen workflows.
- Supervise, coach, and support staff and inmate workers by setting expectations, providing training, and fostering a respectful, inclusive team environment.
- Monitor kitchen environments and equipment to ensure cleanliness, proper function, and compliance with health, safety, and operational standards.
- Coordinate with internal partners and stakeholders to align meal services with institutional schedules, dietary needs, and operational priorities.
- Manage inventory, budgets, and reporting activities to maintain cost-effective operations and support informed decision-making.
Your ability to align your team's efforts with broader organizational goals will be key to your success, and to the success of the people we serve.
Meet Your New Team
The new Thunder Bay Correctional Centre (TBCC) represents a modern, purpose-built facility designed to support safe, effective, and forward-thinking correctional services in Northern Ontario. As part of a dynamic and evolving environment, TBCC offers the opportunity to contribute to a team that values collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement—bringing together innovative approaches, updated infrastructure, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.
Joining TBCC means being part of something new and impactful, where your leadership will help shape practices, build strong teams, and influence day-to-day operations from the ground up. It's an exciting opportunity to work in a setting that emphasizes respect, safety, and accountability, while playing a meaningful role in delivering essential services that support both staff and those in custody.
- Provide direction, coaching, and performance management to staff and inmate workers while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and engaged team environment.
- Coordinate daily operations by assigning work, setting priorities, and ensuring alignment with institutional goals and service standards.
- Identify training and development needs to build team capability in food preparation, safety, and operational practices.
- Lead by example to promote accountability, professionalism, and a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
- Plan, manage, and evaluate high-volume food service operations, ensuring timely and efficient meal preparation and delivery.
- Develop internal procedures, guidelines, and controls that support consistent food quality, portion control, hygiene, kitchen access, and workplace safety while contributing to operational planning and policy development.
- Oversee menu planning, inventory control, and procurement to meet dietary requirements and maintain operational efficiency.
- Coordinate with internal partners to align food services with institutional schedules and specialized dietary needs.
- Ensure a high standard of sanitation and equipment operability through regular inspections and adherence to public health and legislative requirements.
- Maintain and reinforce controls and practices that uphold food safety standards across all aspects of kitchen operations.
- Monitor kitchen and storage areas for cleanliness, proper waste management, and safe working conditions.
- Interpret and apply relevant legislation, policies, and guidelines related to food services, nutrition, and workplace safety.
- Analyze food service requirements, inventory levels, and operational needs to ensure consistent and reliable service delivery.
- Manage budgets, track costs, and monitor financial performance to support efficient use of resources.
- Maintain detailed records and reporting on meals served, inventory, and operational performance.
- Contribute to operational planning, process improvements, and contingency strategies to support effective and resilient service delivery.
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
Think this role could be right for you?
We're here to support you every step of the way. These short videos can help you feel confident and prepared:
• Navigating Our Hiring Process (2 min) – Get a clear overview of each stage in our structured hiring process so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
• Application Preparation Tips (4 min) – Learn how to showcase your leadership experience in ways that align with how we evaluate applications during the screening stage.
Take a few minutes to explore these resources. They're designed to set you up for success.
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.
Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
- diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
- accessibility
- Anti-Racism Policy
