Assistant Cook - Hamilton Convention Centre

Carmens Group; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 26,174 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Carmens Group invites a dedicated culinary professional to join the Hamilton Convention Centre team. You’ll help deliver exceptional dining experiences for major events, from banquets to galas, contributing to high-energy, high-volume service.

As an Assistant Cook, you’ll work with cooks and event teams, maintain sanitary workstations, and ensure food quality and presentation meet exacting standards. Flexibility for evenings and weekends is required.

Qualifications

• Previous culinary experience in banquet, catering, restaurant, or other high-volume kitchen environments is required.
• Excellent knife skills and deep knowledge of cooking techniques are expected.
• Safe Food Handler's Certificate is required.
• Culinary Trade Certification or Red Seal is an asset.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and event-based hours is needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation, plating, and service following established recipes and quality standards.
• Support the culinary team in preparing and executing food service for banquets, galas, concerts, conventions, and special events.
• Collaborate with cooks, chefs, and event teams in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Skills

Knife skills

Cooking techniques

Teamwork

Education

Safe Food Handler's Certificate

Culinary Trade Certification / Red Seal

G License (asset)

Job description

Where Exceptional Events Come to Life

Bring your culinary talent to one of Hamilton's premier event venues. At the Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmens, you'll help deliver exceptional dining experiences for major events, including the JUNO Awards, Grey Cup celebrations, live boxing, film productions, galas, and more. As part of Carmens Group, you'll join a Canadian hospitality leader with over 40 years of creating unforgettable experiences.

Position Details

• Job Type: part-time, permanent
• Vacancy: This posting is for an existing vacancy (replacement for a currently unfilled position)
• Compensation: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour
• AI Disclosure: Your application will be reviewed by our hiring team – we do not use artificial intelligence in the screening or selection of applicants for this position.

What you will be doing

• As an Assistant Cook, you’ll be an integral part of the culinary team, helping bring large-scale, high-energy events to life through quality food preparation and exceptional execution.
• Support the culinary team in preparing and executing food service for banquets, galas, concerts, conventions, and special events.
• Collaborate with cooks, chefs, and event teams in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen environment.
• Assist with food preparation, plating, and service while following established recipes, procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary workstations, equipment, and kitchen areas.
• Ensure food is prepared accurately, efficiently, and on schedule while maintaining high standards for quality and presentation.
• Follow all food safety, handling, and storage procedures to ensure a safe kitchen environment.
• Assist with kitchen opening and closing procedures to support smooth daily and event operations.
• Properly use, care for, and maintain kitchen equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Develop culinary skills through hands-on experience while working alongside experienced cooks and chefs.
• Contribute to exceptional guest experiences by helping deliver consistent, high-quality food.
• Complete additional duties as assigned to support successful event execution.

What You Bring To The Table

• Previous culinary experience in banquet, catering, restaurant, or other high-volume kitchen environments required
• Excellent knife skills and deep knowledge of cooking techniques
• Safe Food Handler's Certificate (Required)
• Culinary Trade Certification or Red Seal (an asset)
• A passion for food and a drive to do your best every shift
• Valid G License an asset
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event-based hours required

Join a company that values your growth, wellbeing, and passion — where your career is supported every step of the way. Carmens Group includes venues such as Carmens Event Centre, The C Hotel, The Lakeview, the Hamilton Convention Centre, fig&lemon Catering, The Arlington Hotel, and the Good Earth Food & Wine.

Ready to Apply

If you're a dedicated culinary professional who thrives under pressure and wants to be part of the city’s most exciting events, this is your stage. Apply today and let’s create something extraordinary together.

Carmens Group is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to provide accommodation to persons with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please notify People & Culture upon scheduling your interview.