First Cook Lead

airnorth; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flight benefits

Hotel & cruise benefits

Health & dental

Group RRSP

Cargo shipping

Fuel discounts

Job summary

Air North in Whitehorse, Yukon is seeking a seasoned culinary leader to oversee the Black Wolf Bistro cooks and sandwich counter staff on a daily basis. You will ensure production standards, food quality, safety, and timely execution of all menu items.

The role requires a combination of culinary apprenticeship with 5+ years of experience, a valid driver’s license, and solid knowledge of health and safety regulations. A team-focused, accountable approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Combination of culinary apprenticeship and experience exceeding 5 years.
• Valid Drivers License
• Basic knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Experience in maintaining records or food time/temperatures logs, food costing reports, consumption, sales and inventory
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and support the daily activities of Bistro Kitchen staff, providing clear direction and leading by example in safety, food quality, customer service, and teamwork.
• Train, mentor, and coach new and existing kitchen staff, and help develop employees for advancement opportunities
• Maintain a professional appearance and conduct, and actively participate in company events, meetings, training programs, and departmental initiatives
• Ensure all menu items are prepared to approved recipes, specifications, and production standards
• Coordinate production requirements with Flight Catering Leads and other operational departments
• Assist with menu development, recipe standardization, and continuous product improvement
• Ensure HACCP records, temperature logs, and food safety documentation are complete and accurate
• Ensure kitchen equipment is kept in good working order and promptly report defective or damaged equipment
• Assist with troubleshooting during service disruptions and irregular operations (IROPs)
• Identify and implement improvements to efficiency, food quality, safety, and work practices

Skills

Team leadership

Food production

Safety compliance

Training & mentoring

Record keeping

Customer service

Accountability

Education

Culinary apprenticeship

Job description

Wage: $26.00

Hours of Work: Full-Time (35-40 hours per week)

Location: Whitehorse, Yukon

At Air North we believe that connecting people is more than just a business-it's a mission. With every flight, we're bridging communities, empowering travelers, and showcasing the beauty of the North, and other exciting Canadian destinations. When you join our team, you become part of a close-knit group that works together to make travel safe, enjoyable, and memorable. From our attentive service to our famous warm cookies served on board, every detail reflects our commitment to a welcoming experience with true Yukon hospitality. Join us if you're passionate about making a difference and eager to be part of an airline that values community and commitment.

Why join us?

• Phenomenal local and international flight benefits for you and your family!
• Extra travel benefits such as hotels and cruises
• Employer paid health & dental benefits
• Group RRSP investment options
• Cargo shipping benefits
• Vehicle and home heating fuel discounts through Chieftain Energy for you and your family

Role Summary

The incumbent is responsible for leading and supervising the daily activities of the Black Wolf Bistro cooks, and sandwich counter staff while maintaining production standards, food quality, safety, and operational efficiency. The position serves as the senior culinary resource on shift and ensures all production requirements are completed according to company standards and timelines.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coordinate, and support the daily activities of Bistro Kitchen staff, providing clear direction and leading by example in safety, food quality, customer service, and teamwork.
• Train, mentor, and coach new and existing kitchen staff, and help develop employees for advancement opportunities
• Maintain a professional appearance and conduct, and actively participate in company events, meetings, training programs, and departmental initiatives

Food Production & Quality

• Ensure all menu items are prepared to approved recipes, specifications, and production standards
• Coordinate production requirements with Flight Catering Leads and other operational departments
• Assist with menu development, recipe standardization, and continuous product improvement

Operations, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure HACCP records, temperature logs, and food safety documentation are complete and accurate
• Ensure kitchen equipment is kept in good working order and promptly report defective or damaged equipment
• Assist with troubleshooting during service disruptions and irregular operations (IROPs)
• Identify and implement improvements to efficiency, food quality, safety, and work practices

Must haves

• Combination of culinary apprenticeship and experience exceeding 5 years
• Valid Drivers License
• Basic knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Experience in maintaining records or food time/temperatures logs, food costing reports, consumption, sales and inventory
• A strong sense of accountability, honesty, and responsibility in all tasks, supporting the trust that we have built with passengers, partners, and communities
• Enthusiasm for contributing to our unique mission, whether that's through direct customer service, operational excellence, or behind-the-scenes support
• Must be a legally entitled to work in Canada

Nice to haves

• Valid Food Safe, WHMIS and First Aid
• Ability to comfortably operate a 5-ton truck

At Air North, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and service excellence, and we strive to build a team that reflects the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. If you need reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we'll ensure your needs are met so you can bring your best self forward.